Providence Bruins vs. Charlotte Checkers
December 17, 2010
All photos on site by Thomas Chace Jr.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Providence To Play Outdoor Game
Bruins to Play Whale in East Hartford, CT
December 17, 2010
by T. Chace Jr.
At last nights game it was brought to my attention that the Providence Bruins will be playing an outdoor game on February 19th, 2011. I cannot believe that this has not been promoted by the Providence Bruins hockey club. With the huge success of the outdoor games in the NHL, AHL, and colleges in recent years and with the game only about 1 1/2 hours away it has me dumbfounded as to why nobody knows about it.
Here is the announcement and article regarding the game courtesy of http://www.ctwhale.com/.
Whalers Sports & Entertainment chairman Howard Baldwin, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced today that the Connecticut Whale’s home game February 19, 2011 vs. the Providence Bruins will be played outdoors at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. That game will be the marquee attraction at Whalers Hockey Fest 2011, which runs from February 11-20 at Rentschler Field.
"Whalers Hockey Fest will be the biggest, and greatest, hockey event in Connecticut’s history, and this AHL game featuring the re-branded Whale vs. the arch-rival Bruins will be the crowning touch," said Baldwin. "I feel that this game will be the best attended in AHL history, and I challenge the hockey fans of Connecticut to smash the all-time AHL attendance record, to set a league standard that will stand for a long time."
This will be the second outdoor game in the history of the AHL, and the current league single-game attendance record was set at the first, a contest between the Syracuse Crunch and the Binghamton Senators February 20, 2010 at the New York State Fairgrounds, which drew 21,508.
"High-level hockey played outdoors has been a huge hit, both at the NHL and AHL levels," said Baldwin, "and for this game, we have a first-class facility and two great regional rivals going at each other on the ice. With that, and extremely reasonable ticket prices, I think we are going to see a big demand for tickets to this game, and every hockey fan in the area will want to enjoy this unique experience."
The Whale-Bruins tilt at Rentschler on February 19 will face off at 7:00 PM. Ticket packages for Whalers Hockey Fest 2011 are available now through the CT Whale web page at www.ctwhale.com or by calling (860) 728-3366.
Whalers Hockey Fest 2011 will run from February 11-20 at Rentschler Field. In addition to the AHL game, the historic outdoor event will feature: a Hartford Whalers alumni vs. Boston Bruins alumni classic, an NHL Legends game commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1986 NHL All-Star Game being played in Hartford, five premier college games, at least 25 elite high school and prep school games and a "Whaler Village", featuring exhibitors, games and the Whalers Mobile Hall of Fame.
December 17, 2010
by T. Chace Jr.
At last nights game it was brought to my attention that the Providence Bruins will be playing an outdoor game on February 19th, 2011. I cannot believe that this has not been promoted by the Providence Bruins hockey club. With the huge success of the outdoor games in the NHL, AHL, and colleges in recent years and with the game only about 1 1/2 hours away it has me dumbfounded as to why nobody knows about it.
Here is the announcement and article regarding the game courtesy of http://www.ctwhale.com/.
Whalers Sports & Entertainment chairman Howard Baldwin, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced today that the Connecticut Whale’s home game February 19, 2011 vs. the Providence Bruins will be played outdoors at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. That game will be the marquee attraction at Whalers Hockey Fest 2011, which runs from February 11-20 at Rentschler Field.
"Whalers Hockey Fest will be the biggest, and greatest, hockey event in Connecticut’s history, and this AHL game featuring the re-branded Whale vs. the arch-rival Bruins will be the crowning touch," said Baldwin. "I feel that this game will be the best attended in AHL history, and I challenge the hockey fans of Connecticut to smash the all-time AHL attendance record, to set a league standard that will stand for a long time."
This will be the second outdoor game in the history of the AHL, and the current league single-game attendance record was set at the first, a contest between the Syracuse Crunch and the Binghamton Senators February 20, 2010 at the New York State Fairgrounds, which drew 21,508.
"High-level hockey played outdoors has been a huge hit, both at the NHL and AHL levels," said Baldwin, "and for this game, we have a first-class facility and two great regional rivals going at each other on the ice. With that, and extremely reasonable ticket prices, I think we are going to see a big demand for tickets to this game, and every hockey fan in the area will want to enjoy this unique experience."
The Whale-Bruins tilt at Rentschler on February 19 will face off at 7:00 PM. Ticket packages for Whalers Hockey Fest 2011 are available now through the CT Whale web page at www.ctwhale.com or by calling (860) 728-3366.
Whalers Hockey Fest 2011 will run from February 11-20 at Rentschler Field. In addition to the AHL game, the historic outdoor event will feature: a Hartford Whalers alumni vs. Boston Bruins alumni classic, an NHL Legends game commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1986 NHL All-Star Game being played in Hartford, five premier college games, at least 25 elite high school and prep school games and a "Whaler Village", featuring exhibitors, games and the Whalers Mobile Hall of Fame.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Providence Home Record Unexplainable
Veterans Need To Lead
by Thomas Chace Jr.
December 16, 2010
The Providence Bruins are playing as well on the road as any team in the AHL. Only league leading W-B/Scranton has performed any better this season. The Bruins have lost only twice all year in 11 games on enemy ice. The problem is that through 15 games at the Dunkin Donuts Center, home of the Providence club, they have been on the winning side only three times. Obviously, this is of great concern to Head Coach Rob Murray, who stated that “we can’t be satisfied by the way we’re playing at home, it’s embarrassing. I feel bad for our fan base, it’s not like we’re giving them a good game and losing. Teams are coming in here and walking away with two points. We are a big team and we don’t intimidate anybody. We don’t make the other teams’ defensemen pay by getting in on the forecheck and finishing our hits. Our home record is embarrassing.”
The fans are still coming to watch the Bruins however; they are third in the league in attendance despite their abysmal home record. On December 9th the Bruins traded three players from the Providence roster. They acquired forward Juraj Simek in exchange for feisty winger Levi Nelson. They also moved Jordan Knackstedt and Jeff LoVecchio to Florida for defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a 7th round pick in the NHL 2011 draft. There are plenty of veterans on the club and Murray says, “it shouldn’t be solely up to me to get the team motivated and ready to play. If I keep yelling at them I’m gonna lose them. There has to be accountability within the team itself.”
There is a long way to go but making it more difficult for the opposing teams to play in Providence is paramount right now. You want to continue to get the fan support and nothing helps more than winning. The team does not score enough goals despite being fourth in the league in shots on goal. With a lack of scoring it produces terrible power play numbers. But once again the record is unexplainable. At home they are last in the AHL with a pathetic 7.4% success rate. On the road, they are 8th in the league at 20.5%. Overall they stand at a 12.5% power play record. Providence actually kills penalties better at home than on the road. The goaltending has been another matter. Rookie Michael Hutchinson has played more games than veteran Nolan Schaefer and sports a respectable 2.90 GAA and has been the winning goaltender in 7 of their 11 victories. None of this makes any sense which is why Murray is beside himself with his team right now. The AHL schedule is not going to change. They play 80 games and 40 are at home, so at some point this home madness is going to end. Everyone likes to be home for the holidays; the sooner Providence realizes that, the better.
December 16, 2010
The Providence Bruins are playing as well on the road as any team in the AHL. Only league leading W-B/Scranton has performed any better this season. The Bruins have lost only twice all year in 11 games on enemy ice. The problem is that through 15 games at the Dunkin Donuts Center, home of the Providence club, they have been on the winning side only three times. Obviously, this is of great concern to Head Coach Rob Murray, who stated that “we can’t be satisfied by the way we’re playing at home, it’s embarrassing. I feel bad for our fan base, it’s not like we’re giving them a good game and losing. Teams are coming in here and walking away with two points. We are a big team and we don’t intimidate anybody. We don’t make the other teams’ defensemen pay by getting in on the forecheck and finishing our hits. Our home record is embarrassing.”
The fans are still coming to watch the Bruins however; they are third in the league in attendance despite their abysmal home record. On December 9th the Bruins traded three players from the Providence roster. They acquired forward Juraj Simek in exchange for feisty winger Levi Nelson. They also moved Jordan Knackstedt and Jeff LoVecchio to Florida for defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a 7th round pick in the NHL 2011 draft. There are plenty of veterans on the club and Murray says, “it shouldn’t be solely up to me to get the team motivated and ready to play. If I keep yelling at them I’m gonna lose them. There has to be accountability within the team itself.”
There is a long way to go but making it more difficult for the opposing teams to play in Providence is paramount right now. You want to continue to get the fan support and nothing helps more than winning. The team does not score enough goals despite being fourth in the league in shots on goal. With a lack of scoring it produces terrible power play numbers. But once again the record is unexplainable. At home they are last in the AHL with a pathetic 7.4% success rate. On the road, they are 8th in the league at 20.5%. Overall they stand at a 12.5% power play record. Providence actually kills penalties better at home than on the road. The goaltending has been another matter. Rookie Michael Hutchinson has played more games than veteran Nolan Schaefer and sports a respectable 2.90 GAA and has been the winning goaltender in 7 of their 11 victories. None of this makes any sense which is why Murray is beside himself with his team right now. The AHL schedule is not going to change. They play 80 games and 40 are at home, so at some point this home madness is going to end. Everyone likes to be home for the holidays; the sooner Providence realizes that, the better.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Boston Trades Three Providence Bruins
Boston Makes Two Trades Today
Three Long-Time P-Bruins Leaving Providence
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have made two trades. The Bruins have acquired forward Juraj Simek from Tampa Bay in exchange for Levi Nelson. Boston has also acquired defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from Florida in exchange for Jordan Knackstedt and Jeff LoVecchio. Both Simek and Zimmerman will report to Providence.
Simek, 23, has posted three goals and six assists for nine points in 21 games this year for the AHL's Norfolk Admirals. The winger is coming off of a career-year for the Admirals in 2009-10, during which he scored 21 goals and assisted on 15 others for 36 points, all personal-bests. In his four-year professional career, including three with Norfolk and one with Manitoba, the Presov, Slovakia, native has totaled 40 goals, 44 assists and 84 points, along with 110 penalty minutes in 225 regular season games. Simek has also scored seven points (2g, 5a) in 10 postseason outings. He was selected by Vancouver 167th overall in round six of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Zimmerman, 23, has gone scoreless in seven games this year as a member of the AHL's Rochester Americans. Prior to joining the Amerks, the defenseman has enjoyed time with San Antonio, Lowell and Albany of the AHL, the ECHL's Trenton, and Arizona of the CHL. Now in his sixth year, Zimmerman has 21 career points, including four goals and 17 assists, plus 218 PIM in 216 games. He had a career-best two goals, seven assists, nine points and 105 PIM in 72 contests for the Rampage in 2009-10. The Denver, Colorado, native was selected by New Jersey 170th overall in round six of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Nelson, 22, skated in 14 games for the P-Bruins this season, scoring seven points (4g, 3a). Selected by Boston 158th overall in round six of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the third-year pro has spent the majority of his professional career in Providence, along with a brief stint in Reading of the ECHL. In his career, the Calgary, Alberta, native has scored 33 points (18g, 15a) in 135 contests between the regular season and playoffs.
Knacktedt, 22, appeared in 22 games for Providence this year with 12 points, including seven goals, which ranked tied for second on the club. The winger and native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, had spent his entire professional career with the P-Bruins, scoring 83 points (37g, 46a) in 185 games between the regular season and postseason. Knackstedt was selected by Boston 189th overall in round seven of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
LoVecchio, 25, tallied three points in 22 games for the P-Bruins this year, all assists. The left wing played his entire pro career in Providence, scoring 33 points (18g, 15a) in 107 contests between the regular season and playoffs. The undrafted Chesterfield, Missouri, native was first signed by Boston to an entry-level contract on Mar. 18, 2008.
Three Long-Time P-Bruins Leaving Providence
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have made two trades. The Bruins have acquired forward Juraj Simek from Tampa Bay in exchange for Levi Nelson. Boston has also acquired defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft from Florida in exchange for Jordan Knackstedt and Jeff LoVecchio. Both Simek and Zimmerman will report to Providence.
Simek, 23, has posted three goals and six assists for nine points in 21 games this year for the AHL's Norfolk Admirals. The winger is coming off of a career-year for the Admirals in 2009-10, during which he scored 21 goals and assisted on 15 others for 36 points, all personal-bests. In his four-year professional career, including three with Norfolk and one with Manitoba, the Presov, Slovakia, native has totaled 40 goals, 44 assists and 84 points, along with 110 penalty minutes in 225 regular season games. Simek has also scored seven points (2g, 5a) in 10 postseason outings. He was selected by Vancouver 167th overall in round six of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Zimmerman, 23, has gone scoreless in seven games this year as a member of the AHL's Rochester Americans. Prior to joining the Amerks, the defenseman has enjoyed time with San Antonio, Lowell and Albany of the AHL, the ECHL's Trenton, and Arizona of the CHL. Now in his sixth year, Zimmerman has 21 career points, including four goals and 17 assists, plus 218 PIM in 216 games. He had a career-best two goals, seven assists, nine points and 105 PIM in 72 contests for the Rampage in 2009-10. The Denver, Colorado, native was selected by New Jersey 170th overall in round six of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Nelson, 22, skated in 14 games for the P-Bruins this season, scoring seven points (4g, 3a). Selected by Boston 158th overall in round six of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the third-year pro has spent the majority of his professional career in Providence, along with a brief stint in Reading of the ECHL. In his career, the Calgary, Alberta, native has scored 33 points (18g, 15a) in 135 contests between the regular season and playoffs.
Knacktedt, 22, appeared in 22 games for Providence this year with 12 points, including seven goals, which ranked tied for second on the club. The winger and native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, had spent his entire professional career with the P-Bruins, scoring 83 points (37g, 46a) in 185 games between the regular season and postseason. Knackstedt was selected by Boston 189th overall in round seven of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
LoVecchio, 25, tallied three points in 22 games for the P-Bruins this year, all assists. The left wing played his entire pro career in Providence, scoring 33 points (18g, 15a) in 107 contests between the regular season and playoffs. The undrafted Chesterfield, Missouri, native was first signed by Boston to an entry-level contract on Mar. 18, 2008.
Stuart Hurt, Kampfer Gets The Call
Steve Kampfer Should Play First NHL Game
P-Bruins Rookie Called Up to NHL on Emergency Basis
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have recalled rookie defenseman Steve Kampfer from Providence on an emergency basis. Kampfer will join Boston for its practice this morning at the Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington, MA. This is Kampfer's first career recall to the NHL.
Kampfer, 22, is in his first full professional season and currently ranks second on the P-Bruins in scoring with 16 points, including three goals and a team-high 13 assists. The blue-liner sits tied for sixth in the AHL in scoring among defensemen, while he leads all league rookies in helpers. Kampfer has also earned a plus-10 rating in his 20 games, good for a fourth-place tie among first-year AHL skaters.
Selected 93rd overall by Anaheim in round four of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Kampfer was acquired by Boston for a conditional fourth round draft pick in a trade with the Ducks on Mar. 2, 2010. Prior to turning pro with Providence late in the 2009-10 campaign, the defenseman was a standout player for four seasons at the University of Michigan, where he totaled seven goals and 53 assists for 60 points in 147 games. As a senior, Kampfer helped the Wolverines win the CCHA Tournament and reach the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament. For his efforts, the Ann Arbor, Michigan, native was named to the NCAA All-Regional Team (Midwest) and the CCHA All-Tournament Team.
Since signing an entry-level contract with Boston on Mar. 31, 2010, Kampfer has scored four goals, tallied 15 assists and recorded 19 points in 26 games as a pro.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Jordan Caron Sent To Providence
Providence Welcomes Caron to Fold
2009 First Round Pick has Appeared in 20 Games for Bruins
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned rookie forward Jordan Caron to Providence.
Caron, 20, has appeared in 20 of Boston's 25 games this season, recording three goals and four assists for his first seven career points, along with a plus-four rating. The rookie made his professional debut on Oct. 10 at Phoenix and later scored his first pro goal for his first point at New Jersey on Oct. 16. He has been a healthy scratch for Boston's last two contests.
Prior to turning pro, Caron spent four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Rimouski Oceanic and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, totaling 116 goals and 120 assists for 236 points in 237 games between the regular season and playoffs. He played parts of his first four years with Rimouski before a trade to Rouyn-Noranda last Jan. 7.
The Sayabec, Quebec, native was selected by Boston 25th overall in round one of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
*information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
2009 First Round Pick has Appeared in 20 Games for Bruins
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned rookie forward Jordan Caron to Providence.
Caron, 20, has appeared in 20 of Boston's 25 games this season, recording three goals and four assists for his first seven career points, along with a plus-four rating. The rookie made his professional debut on Oct. 10 at Phoenix and later scored his first pro goal for his first point at New Jersey on Oct. 16. He has been a healthy scratch for Boston's last two contests.
Prior to turning pro, Caron spent four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Rimouski Oceanic and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, totaling 116 goals and 120 assists for 236 points in 237 games between the regular season and playoffs. He played parts of his first four years with Rimouski before a trade to Rouyn-Noranda last Jan. 7.
The Sayabec, Quebec, native was selected by Boston 25th overall in round one of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
*information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Matt Hunwick Traded To Colorado
BRUINS SEND COLBY COHEN TO PROVIDENCE
Defenseman Acquired from Colorado for Matt Hunwick
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have acquired defenseman Colby Cohen from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Matt Hunwick. Cohen will report to Providence.
Cohen, 21, is in his first full professional season, which he has split between Colorado and the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters. As a member of the Monsters, Cohen has appeared in 14 games this season, scoring one goal while totaling 12 penalty minutes. The goal, also the first of this pro career, came on Oct. 17 in San Antonio. In addition, the rookie has suited up for three NHL contests with the Avalanche, going scoreless. He made his NHL debut against Dallas on Nov. 6.
The blue-liner turned pro late in the 2009-10 campaign following his junior season at Boston University and made his pro debut for Lake Erie on Apr. 7 against the Abbotsford Heat. The former Hockey East First Team All-Star later tallied his first professional point with an assist against the Heat on Apr. 10. Cohen was an NCAA National Champion with the Terriers in 2009 after netting the game-winning overtime goal in the title game against Miami (Ohio). In three years at BU, Cohen scored 25 goals and added 53 assists for 78 points, along with 181 PIM, in 118 contests.
Cohen, a native of Villanova, Pennsylvania, was selected by Colorado 45th overall in round two of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Hunwick, 25, has appeared in 178 career NHL games as a member of the Bruins between the regular season and playoffs, registering 13 goals, 38 assists and 51 points. This season, the fourth-year pro skated in 22 games with one goal and two helpers. A native of Warren, Michigan, and University of Michigan grad, Hunwick played parts of two seasons with the P-Bruins from 2007-09, notching two goals and 24 assists for 26 points in 58 regular season games. He also tallied five assists in 10 postseason outings.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Defenseman Acquired from Colorado for Matt Hunwick
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have acquired defenseman Colby Cohen from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Matt Hunwick. Cohen will report to Providence.
Cohen, 21, is in his first full professional season, which he has split between Colorado and the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters. As a member of the Monsters, Cohen has appeared in 14 games this season, scoring one goal while totaling 12 penalty minutes. The goal, also the first of this pro career, came on Oct. 17 in San Antonio. In addition, the rookie has suited up for three NHL contests with the Avalanche, going scoreless. He made his NHL debut against Dallas on Nov. 6.
The blue-liner turned pro late in the 2009-10 campaign following his junior season at Boston University and made his pro debut for Lake Erie on Apr. 7 against the Abbotsford Heat. The former Hockey East First Team All-Star later tallied his first professional point with an assist against the Heat on Apr. 10. Cohen was an NCAA National Champion with the Terriers in 2009 after netting the game-winning overtime goal in the title game against Miami (Ohio). In three years at BU, Cohen scored 25 goals and added 53 assists for 78 points, along with 181 PIM, in 118 contests.
Cohen, a native of Villanova, Pennsylvania, was selected by Colorado 45th overall in round two of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Hunwick, 25, has appeared in 178 career NHL games as a member of the Bruins between the regular season and playoffs, registering 13 goals, 38 assists and 51 points. This season, the fourth-year pro skated in 22 games with one goal and two helpers. A native of Warren, Michigan, and University of Michigan grad, Hunwick played parts of two seasons with the P-Bruins from 2007-09, notching two goals and 24 assists for 26 points in 58 regular season games. He also tallied five assists in 10 postseason outings.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Jamie Arniel Has One Night Stand For Boston
ARNIEL RETURNS FROM BOSTON
November 29, 2010
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned forward Jamie Arniel to Providence.
Arniel was recalled by Boston on an emergency basis on Nov. 27 and made his NHL debut the following night in the Bruins' 4-1 loss at Atlanta. The second-year pro went scoreless in 12:26 of ice-time.
The recall was the second of the season for Arniel, who was previously called up on Nov. 9 and served as a healthy scratch in Boston's game against Pittsburgh on Nov. 10.
The 21-year-old has appeared in 19 games for Providence this season and currently leads the P-Bruins in scoring with nine goals and 16 points. Arniel returns to Rhode Island riding a six-game AHL point-streak dating back to Nov. 13, during which time he has scored three goals and added four assists.
The Kingston, Ontario, native completed a very successful rookie season for Providence in 2009-10, winning the team's Rookie of the Year award after leading all first-year P-Bruins with 28 points and 16 assists. Arniel's 67 games were highlighted by a six-game goal-scoring streak in November, tying a franchise record, seven multi-point games and the AHL's Rookie of the Month and Providence's Player of the Month awards for November.
Arniel was selected by Boston 97th overall in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Sunday, November 21, 2010
David Ling Back in US
LING BRINGS VETERAN PRESENCE TO REBOUNDING P-BRUINS
By Alex Kronberger
Coming off of his first weekend with the Providence Bruins, David Ling has wasted no time in building a place for himself among the P-Bruins' veteran corps. After a frustrating wait to clear waivers that was extended until last Friday morning by the Veterans' Day holiday, the 16-year pro was thrilled to be back in North America for the first time since the 2007-08 AHL season. Ling's debut in Providence was a classic trial by fire during which he played in three games in three days.
"The transition was fast, but I know a couple of players here and that's made it a lot easier," said Ling.
Despite the fact that he still had yet to practice with his new team, there was no question that Ling had found chemistry with his new linemates by the third game of the weekend against Abbotsford on Sunday afternoon. Late in the third period, Ling tallied two assists when Jeremy Reich scored twice in just under two and a half minutes, an effort that propelled the P-Bruins to their second home win of the season. The second of the two goals not only marked Reich's 100th professional goal, but also Ling's 300th American Hockey League assist.
"I went into the three in three without any practices, but it was good," said Ling who spent his last two seasons with the Khabarovsk Amur in the KHL. "The team's starting to win some games and starting to score some goals."
While playing in Europe for four of the last five seasons, the native of Halifax, Nova Scotia welcomed the challenges of skating in the Russian, Swiss and Finish professional leagues, where he played in 213 games, totaling 46 goals, 90 assists and 136 points.
"I was in Europe for four years and it's a tough place to play. It's not ideal hockey for a North American, but it's also a learning experience. [KHL hockey] is a fast game with really skilled players, but it's not very physical."
With his experience in both the European and North American leagues, the veteran right-winger, who played his 1000th professional game last year, feels right at home in a Providence locker room that includes players from both continents.
Ling has also welcomed the opportunity to join a Providence Bruins squad that is rebounding from a disappointing month of October during which they went winless on home ice with an overall record of 2-5-1-1. Since, the club has won five of six to begin November.
"There are lots of good young players here, and it's a team that's moving up. Good things are starting to come."
With his 300th AHL assist and his first points as a P-Bruin under his belt, Ling looks to continue to settle into coach Rob Murray's locker room as the height of the 2010-11 hockey season approaches.
"I'm just trying to come in and play the system. I'm an offensive player that can bring energy and hopefully I can bring leadership to a younger team."
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Yannick Riendeau Sent Down To Reading
Riendeau Struggling With Providence
November 16, 2010
The Providence Bruins, in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have reassigned forward Yannick Riendeau to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.
Riendeau, 22, has gone scoreless in five games for Providence this season. The second-year pro joins Reading, where he appeared in six contests as a rookie in 2009-10, while scoring three goals and two assists. Riendeau added another three goals and two helpers in five postseason outings for the Royals. The right wing also scored five points in 22 games for the P-Bruins last season, including one goal and four assists.
The Royals have won four straight games and currently rank second in the ECHL's Atlantic Division at 7-5-0-0 with 14 points. In Reading, Riendeau joins former P-Bruins Matt Dalton, Ben Gordon, Alain Goulet, Rob Kwiet, Olivier Labelle, Jared Ross and Devin Timberlake.
Prior to turning pro, Riendeau enjoyed a standout junior season in 2008-09 with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, where he led the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in scoring during both the regular season and the playoffs. In 64 regular season games, the native of Boucherville, Quebec scored 58 goals and tallied 68 assists for 126 points before adding 52 points, including 29 goals, in just 19 postseason contests. Riendeau's playoff totals set Voltigeurs franchise records, while his 16 postseason power play goals set a QMJHL record. His postseason performance earned him the league's Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Playoff Most Valuable Player. Riendeau was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on April 2, 2009.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Monday, November 8, 2010
Has Providence Turned The Corner?
Providence Turnaround
by Thomas Chace Jr.
November 8, 2010
Before the Providence Bruins stepped on home ice Friday night to play the Bridgeport Sound Tigers they were the owners of some very telling statistics. The Bruins were last in the league in goals scored with just 18 in 9 games. They also had given up 34goals which placed them 28th in the league. Their power play was dismal at 28th and their penalty killing was also at the bottom of the AHL. Their penalty minutes were 26th in the league leading one to believe that they lacked a presence on the ice, especially at home. Suffice to say, the coaching staff was glad to see October end.
Head Coach Rob Murray explained the October skid and the team’s poor start and the new approach the team is undertaking, “We’ve had our chances to score and we didn’t, and whether it was a soft goal, a power play goal against, or an ill advised penalty, we found ourselves down 1-0 and wondering how this was happening game after game.” After a long run of playoff appearances the team really scuffled last season. It was imperative that Providence get off to a positive start, and optimism was all around. Murray stated that poor decision making has been part of the young team’s early problem, “Mistakes on our part and our decision making with the puck has been horrid.” Asked what he can do about the poor decision making, Murray said, “It’s up to the guys in the room; I can’t make decisions out on the ice for them. We’ve got to find a way.”
The coaching staff approached the problems with a renewed emphasis heading into the Bridgeport game. Murray says, “We’ve accepted the fact that we are not necessarily an overly dynamic skilled offensive team but we can skate, so we can hopefully win the battles to the puck, gain possession of the puck and can grind it out in the offensive zone.” Physical play is also on the agenda Murray says, “We can be a harder team to play against, especially at home.”
Providence’s response on Friday began in the second period after hitting two posts in the first period. After scoring two goals in twenty seconds in the second period, it seemed to inspire the whole team. They were able to begin their weekend with their first home win of the year, a resounding 6-1 victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. They scored, they skated, and they fought, playing their best game of the year at The Dunkin Donuts Center.
The Bruins then headed north for a Saturday meeting with league leading rival, the Portland Pirates. Jamie Arniel’s second overtime game winning goal of the season gave Providence another emotional 5-4 victory. A long bus trip to Albany followed and Providence won again 6-4 behind a hat trick by Jordan Knackstedt on Sunday. The anemic power play even scored five goals over the weekend. Three victories and six points will heal all wounds inflicted in October.
The October statistics that were so poor heading into November were nearly wiped out in one weekend. Providence jumped two spots in the Atlantic Division standings leapfrogging Hartford and Bridgeport, and the team is feeling a lot better about themselves now. The young Providence team may have turned the corner and by making better decisions with the puck are being rewarded with victories.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
McGrattan Back To Boston
Veteran Scoreless Without Infraction in Three AHL Games
November 1, 2010
The Providence Bruins, now in their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have recalled forward Brian McGrattan from Providence, ending his AHL conditioning stint.
McGrattan, 29, suited up for three P-Bruins games last weekend, going scoreless with zero penalty minutes, a minus-four rating and four shots. He made his Providence debut on October 29 against the Albany Devils before then taking on the Worcester Sharks in a home-and-home series.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Friday, October 29, 2010
McGrattan With Providence For Weekend
Boston Heavyweight Enforcer to Return to Boston on Monday
October 29, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned forward Brian McGrattan to Providence for conditioning. The P-Bruins have three games this weekend, after which McGrattan is scheduled to rejoin Boston on Monday, November 1.
McGrattan, 29, has yet to appear in any of Boston's seven games this season after signing a one-year contract with the Bruins as a free agent on October 11. The right wing was invited to Bruins training camp on a tryout and accompanied the squad to Belfast and Prague.
The ninth-year pro is a veteran of 379 games, including 182 at the NHL level. McGrattan has spent time at the game's top level with the Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes and, most recently in 2009-10, the Calgary Flames. In parts of five NHL seasons, the right wing has scored 14 points (3g, 11a) and totaled 395 penalty minutes.
In McGrattan's pro career, including AHL time with the Binghamton Senators and San Antonio Rampage, he has registered 61 points (28g, 33a) and racked up 1,448 PIM during the regular season, plus two assists and 28 PIM in eight postseason games. McGrattan owns the AHL single-season penalty minutes record after accumulating 551 in 71 games during the 2004-05 campaign as a member of the Senators. That total included 53 minors, 41 majors, 18 misconducts and six game misconducts.
The native of Hamilton, Ontario, was originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings 104th overall in round four of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
October 29, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned forward Brian McGrattan to Providence for conditioning. The P-Bruins have three games this weekend, after which McGrattan is scheduled to rejoin Boston on Monday, November 1.
McGrattan, 29, has yet to appear in any of Boston's seven games this season after signing a one-year contract with the Bruins as a free agent on October 11. The right wing was invited to Bruins training camp on a tryout and accompanied the squad to Belfast and Prague.
The ninth-year pro is a veteran of 379 games, including 182 at the NHL level. McGrattan has spent time at the game's top level with the Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes and, most recently in 2009-10, the Calgary Flames. In parts of five NHL seasons, the right wing has scored 14 points (3g, 11a) and totaled 395 penalty minutes.
In McGrattan's pro career, including AHL time with the Binghamton Senators and San Antonio Rampage, he has registered 61 points (28g, 33a) and racked up 1,448 PIM during the regular season, plus two assists and 28 PIM in eight postseason games. McGrattan owns the AHL single-season penalty minutes record after accumulating 551 in 71 games during the 2004-05 campaign as a member of the Senators. That total included 53 minors, 41 majors, 18 misconducts and six game misconducts.
The native of Hamilton, Ontario, was originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings 104th overall in round four of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
Goaltenders On The Move
Matt Dalton Reassigned to Reading, Courchaine Sent to Alaska
October 18, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have reassigned goaltender Matt Dalton from Providence to the Reading Royals of the ECHL. In a related move, Boston has also reassigned goalie Adam Courchaine from Reading to the ECHL's Alaska Aces.
Dalton, 24, saw his only action of the year in Providence's opening night contest with the Springfield Falcons. The second-year pro worked the first two periods of the game, stopping 12 of 16 shots in a 5-1 P-Bruins loss. He leaves Providence with a 6.00 goals-against-average and .750 save percentage. Reading will be familiar territory for the goaltender after backstopping the Royals to the American Conference Finals as a rookie in 2009-10. Dalton was named Reading's Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Fan's Choice after finishing the regular season with a 22-20-4 record, one shutout, a 3.47 GAA and .906 save percentage in 46 outings. He added a 10-6 mark in the postseason, along with a 3.02 GAA and .914 save percentage. Dalton also went 0-4-1 with a 3.26 GAA and .904 save percentage in six games for Providence as a first-year pro following two seasons with the Bemidji State University Beavers. The Clinton, Ontario, native was signed by Boston to an entry-level contract on April 22, 2009.
Courchaine, 21, moves from Reading to Alaska after appearing in one game for the Royals, a 6-4 loss to the Trenton Devils on October 17. The first-year net-minder got the start and surrendered four goals on nine shots in just 12:47 of work. He leaves Pennsylvania with an 18.77 GAA and .556 save percentage. Courchaine split the 2009-10 campaign between the Erie Otters and Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, going 20-24-1 with a 3.24 GAA and .906 save percentage in 48 games. The Kanata, Ontario, native also went 0-2 in the postseason with a 4.50 GAA and .886 save percentage. Courchaine was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on September 30, 2007.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
October 18, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have reassigned goaltender Matt Dalton from Providence to the Reading Royals of the ECHL. In a related move, Boston has also reassigned goalie Adam Courchaine from Reading to the ECHL's Alaska Aces.
Dalton, 24, saw his only action of the year in Providence's opening night contest with the Springfield Falcons. The second-year pro worked the first two periods of the game, stopping 12 of 16 shots in a 5-1 P-Bruins loss. He leaves Providence with a 6.00 goals-against-average and .750 save percentage. Reading will be familiar territory for the goaltender after backstopping the Royals to the American Conference Finals as a rookie in 2009-10. Dalton was named Reading's Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Fan's Choice after finishing the regular season with a 22-20-4 record, one shutout, a 3.47 GAA and .906 save percentage in 46 outings. He added a 10-6 mark in the postseason, along with a 3.02 GAA and .914 save percentage. Dalton also went 0-4-1 with a 3.26 GAA and .904 save percentage in six games for Providence as a first-year pro following two seasons with the Bemidji State University Beavers. The Clinton, Ontario, native was signed by Boston to an entry-level contract on April 22, 2009.
Courchaine, 21, moves from Reading to Alaska after appearing in one game for the Royals, a 6-4 loss to the Trenton Devils on October 17. The first-year net-minder got the start and surrendered four goals on nine shots in just 12:47 of work. He leaves Pennsylvania with an 18.77 GAA and .556 save percentage. Courchaine split the 2009-10 campaign between the Erie Otters and Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, going 20-24-1 with a 3.24 GAA and .906 save percentage in 48 games. The Kanata, Ontario, native also went 0-2 in the postseason with a 4.50 GAA and .886 save percentage. Courchaine was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on September 30, 2007.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Providence Assigns Pair to Reading Royals
P-Bruins Assign Two Defensemen to ECHL
October 12, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that defensemen Ryan Donald and Alain Goulet have been assigned to the ECHL's Reading Royals.
Donald, 24, leaves Providence without having appeared in a game for the P-Bruins this season. The defenseman signed an AHL contract with Providence on September 17 after making his professional debut late in 2009-10 with the Springfield Falcons. Donald appeared in three games for Springfield while tallying his first pro point with an assist following his senior season with the Yale University Bulldogs. At Yale, the St. Albert, Alberta, native totaled 24 points, including five goals and 19 assists, along with 231 penalty minutes over 123 contests.
Goulet, 22, appeared in one game for Providence this season, going scoreless in the club's opening night loss to Springfield. The blue-liner spent his entire rookie season in 2009-10 with the P-Bruins, scoring 18 points, including three goals and 15 assists, in 71 games. Prior to turning pro, Goulet enjoyed parts of two seasons in college with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks from 2007-08, before then spending a portion of the 2008-09 campaign in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Gatineau Olympiques. He was selected by the Boston Bruins 159th overall in round six of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
October 12, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that defensemen Ryan Donald and Alain Goulet have been assigned to the ECHL's Reading Royals.
Donald, 24, leaves Providence without having appeared in a game for the P-Bruins this season. The defenseman signed an AHL contract with Providence on September 17 after making his professional debut late in 2009-10 with the Springfield Falcons. Donald appeared in three games for Springfield while tallying his first pro point with an assist following his senior season with the Yale University Bulldogs. At Yale, the St. Albert, Alberta, native totaled 24 points, including five goals and 19 assists, along with 231 penalty minutes over 123 contests.
Goulet, 22, appeared in one game for Providence this season, going scoreless in the club's opening night loss to Springfield. The blue-liner spent his entire rookie season in 2009-10 with the P-Bruins, scoring 18 points, including three goals and 15 assists, in 71 games. Prior to turning pro, Goulet enjoyed parts of two seasons in college with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks from 2007-08, before then spending a portion of the 2008-09 campaign in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Gatineau Olympiques. He was selected by the Boston Bruins 159th overall in round six of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Nolan Schaefer Heading To Providence
Boston Bruins Goalie Clears Waivers
October 12, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned goaltender Nolan Schaefer to Providence. The goalie was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment on Monday.
Schaefer, 30, was signed by Boston as a free agent on July 5, inking a one-year contract. The net-minder accompanied the parent Bruins on their overseas trip to Belfast and Prague but did not appear in a game. Now in his eighth professional season, Schaefer returns to the North American game after spending the 2009-10 campaign with CSKA Moskow of the Kontinental Hockey League, where he went 6-10-1 with a 2.66 goals-against-average in 22 games.
Prior to playing in Russia, the native of Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, appeared in seven NHL contests as a member of the San Jose Sharks in 2005-06, compiling a 5-1-0 record, one shutout, a 1.87 GAA and .920 save percentage. Schaefer has also suited up for several AHL clubs, including the Houston Aeros, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Hershey Bears, Worcester Sharks and Cleveland Barons, as well as the ECHL's Fresno Falcons. In his pro career, he is 118-115-15 with 15 shutouts, a 2.64 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 266 regular season games. Schaefer has also recorded a 10-14 mark, 2.77 GAA and .911 save percentage in 26 postseason outings, all in the AHL.
Schaefer, a four-year member of the Providence College Friars from 1999 until 2003, was selected 166th overall by San Jose in round five of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He is the younger brother of former Bruin, Peter Schaefer, who suited up for Boston in 2007-08 and Providence in 2008-09.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
October 12, 2010
The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have assigned goaltender Nolan Schaefer to Providence. The goalie was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment on Monday.
Schaefer, 30, was signed by Boston as a free agent on July 5, inking a one-year contract. The net-minder accompanied the parent Bruins on their overseas trip to Belfast and Prague but did not appear in a game. Now in his eighth professional season, Schaefer returns to the North American game after spending the 2009-10 campaign with CSKA Moskow of the Kontinental Hockey League, where he went 6-10-1 with a 2.66 goals-against-average in 22 games.
Prior to playing in Russia, the native of Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, appeared in seven NHL contests as a member of the San Jose Sharks in 2005-06, compiling a 5-1-0 record, one shutout, a 1.87 GAA and .920 save percentage. Schaefer has also suited up for several AHL clubs, including the Houston Aeros, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Hershey Bears, Worcester Sharks and Cleveland Barons, as well as the ECHL's Fresno Falcons. In his pro career, he is 118-115-15 with 15 shutouts, a 2.64 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 266 regular season games. Schaefer has also recorded a 10-14 mark, 2.77 GAA and .911 save percentage in 26 postseason outings, all in the AHL.
Schaefer, a four-year member of the Providence College Friars from 1999 until 2003, was selected 166th overall by San Jose in round five of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He is the younger brother of former Bruin, Peter Schaefer, who suited up for Boston in 2007-08 and Providence in 2008-09.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Providence Releases Casey Haines
Providence Bruins Tweak Roster
Training Camp Roster Reduced to 25
October 4, 2010
The Providence Bruins, announced that they have released forward Casey Haines from his tryout agreement.
Haines, 24, leaves Rhode Island after appearing in one preseason game, scoring a goal in Providence's 4-0 win over the Worcester Sharks on September 29. The four-year college product suited up for 142 games for the Ferris State University Bulldogs, totaling 60 points, including 25 goals and 35 assists, plus 101 penalty minutes. The left wing is a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
With the move, the P-Bruins' roster is comprised of 25 players, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Training Camp Roster Reduced to 25
October 4, 2010
The Providence Bruins, announced that they have released forward Casey Haines from his tryout agreement.
Haines, 24, leaves Rhode Island after appearing in one preseason game, scoring a goal in Providence's 4-0 win over the Worcester Sharks on September 29. The four-year college product suited up for 142 games for the Ferris State University Bulldogs, totaling 60 points, including 25 goals and 35 assists, plus 101 penalty minutes. The left wing is a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
With the move, the P-Bruins' roster is comprised of 25 players, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Providence To Add Bartkowski
Boston Bruins Assign Defenseman To Providence
October 6, 2010
Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today the team has assigned defenseman Matt Bartkowski to the Providence Bruins. Bartkowski will stay in Prague and join the P-Bruins upon the club’s return from their trip overseas.
October 6, 2010
Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today the team has assigned defenseman Matt Bartkowski to the Providence Bruins. Bartkowski will stay in Prague and join the P-Bruins upon the club’s return from their trip overseas.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Providence Cuts Down Roster
P-BRUINS RELEASE SEVEN FROM TRYOUTS
Training Camp Roster Reduced to 26
September 30, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that they have released seven players from their tryout agreements.
Forwards Devin Timberlake and Walker Wintoneak, along with defensemen Jack Christian, Matt Delahey, Matt Generous, Brandon Gentile and Todd Perry, all leave Providence after appearing in the club's 4-0 preseason win over the Worcester Sharks on Wednesday night.
Gentile scored Providence's first goal of the game on the power play, earning him third star honors, while Timberlake later added an assist. Christian and Delahey each tied for a game-best plus-two rating. Perry saw very little action after collecting 20 penalty minutes just 9:30 into the game, including a game misconduct.
With the moves, the P-Bruins roster is comprised of 26 players, including 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Training Camp Roster Reduced to 26
September 30, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced that they have released seven players from their tryout agreements.
Forwards Devin Timberlake and Walker Wintoneak, along with defensemen Jack Christian, Matt Delahey, Matt Generous, Brandon Gentile and Todd Perry, all leave Providence after appearing in the club's 4-0 preseason win over the Worcester Sharks on Wednesday night.
Gentile scored Providence's first goal of the game on the power play, earning him third star honors, while Timberlake later added an assist. Christian and Delahey each tied for a game-best plus-two rating. Perry saw very little action after collecting 20 penalty minutes just 9:30 into the game, including a game misconduct.
With the moves, the P-Bruins roster is comprised of 26 players, including 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Providence Training Camp Begins
Providence Opens Camp Filled With Optimism
By T. Chace Jr.
September 29, 2010
After a disappointing 2009-10 season in which the Providence Bruins did not make the playoffs, optimism abounds this year. With so many injuries and call-ups to the big club in Boston last season, it seemed the AHL club never dressed the same team twice.
Training camp opened on September 28th at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island’s capital city with 26 players, some of whom were on tryout agreements. Many of the players who expected to see action this year were still in camp with Boston. However, as of this writing, Joe Colborne, Zach Hamill, Steve Kampfer, Jeff LoVecchio, Wyatt Smith, and Jeremy Reich were sent down today, so the roster is still in flux. Providence plays the Worcester Sharks on September 29th in their first of two exhibition games and many of the established players will sit out.
Goaltending will be interesting to watch this year as Adam Courchaine, Matt Dalton, and Mike Hutchinson all saw action in net at training camp. All three looked impressive, calm, and seemed to relish their opportunity. The defense boasts returning players Andy Bodnarchuk, Alain Goulet, Jeff Penner, and Cody Wild. Training camp d-men included Russian Yury Alexandrov, veteran Nathan McIver and players on tryout agreements Jack Christian, Matt Delahy, Ryan Donald, Matt Generous, Brandon Gentile, and Todd Perry. Forwards on tryout agreements include Casey Haines, Devin Timberlake, and WHL goal scorer, Walker Wintoneak. Wintoneak had 31 goals in 2008-09 and 25 goals and 49 assists in 2009-10 for the Saskatoon Blades. Returning forwards include Jordan Knackstead, enforcer Lane MacDermid, veteran Kirk MacDonald, Levi Nelson, Yannick Riendeau, and Max Sauve. Newcomer Antoine Roussel and Jordan Smotherman rounded out camp. Training camp is missing Providence captain from last year, Trent Whitfield, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury while training for the new season.
The Providence coaching staff, led by Head Coach Rob Murray and Asst. Coach “Butch” Cassidy, was joined on the ice by Reading Royals Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Larry Courville. Many of the players in camp will end up in Reading, the ECHL affiliate of both Boston and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The whole Bruins organization and their fans are excited about the possibilities the 2010-11 season. Let the games begin!
By T. Chace Jr.
September 29, 2010
After a disappointing 2009-10 season in which the Providence Bruins did not make the playoffs, optimism abounds this year. With so many injuries and call-ups to the big club in Boston last season, it seemed the AHL club never dressed the same team twice.
Training camp opened on September 28th at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island’s capital city with 26 players, some of whom were on tryout agreements. Many of the players who expected to see action this year were still in camp with Boston. However, as of this writing, Joe Colborne, Zach Hamill, Steve Kampfer, Jeff LoVecchio, Wyatt Smith, and Jeremy Reich were sent down today, so the roster is still in flux. Providence plays the Worcester Sharks on September 29th in their first of two exhibition games and many of the established players will sit out.
Goaltending will be interesting to watch this year as Adam Courchaine, Matt Dalton, and Mike Hutchinson all saw action in net at training camp. All three looked impressive, calm, and seemed to relish their opportunity. The defense boasts returning players Andy Bodnarchuk, Alain Goulet, Jeff Penner, and Cody Wild. Training camp d-men included Russian Yury Alexandrov, veteran Nathan McIver and players on tryout agreements Jack Christian, Matt Delahy, Ryan Donald, Matt Generous, Brandon Gentile, and Todd Perry. Forwards on tryout agreements include Casey Haines, Devin Timberlake, and WHL goal scorer, Walker Wintoneak. Wintoneak had 31 goals in 2008-09 and 25 goals and 49 assists in 2009-10 for the Saskatoon Blades. Returning forwards include Jordan Knackstead, enforcer Lane MacDermid, veteran Kirk MacDonald, Levi Nelson, Yannick Riendeau, and Max Sauve. Newcomer Antoine Roussel and Jordan Smotherman rounded out camp. Training camp is missing Providence captain from last year, Trent Whitfield, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury while training for the new season.
The Providence coaching staff, led by Head Coach Rob Murray and Asst. Coach “Butch” Cassidy, was joined on the ice by Reading Royals Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Larry Courville. Many of the players in camp will end up in Reading, the ECHL affiliate of both Boston and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The whole Bruins organization and their fans are excited about the possibilities the 2010-11 season. Let the games begin!
Providence Wins First Exhibition Game
PROVIDENCE 4, WORCESTER 0
September 29, 2010
Providence goaltender Matt Dalton turned in a 22-save shutout performance as the Bruins took a 4-0 win over Worcester in Marlboro, Mass., in the preseason opener for both squads.
Dalton, who went winless in five appearances for Providence as a rookie in 2009-10, sandwiched a seven-save second period between 10-save efforts in the first and third frames.
Yannick Riendeau led the way with a goal and two assists for the Bruins, who raced out to a 2-0 first-period lead and never looked back. Antoine Roussel, Casey Haines, and defenseman Brandon Gentile also scored in the victory.
Carter Hutton (13 saves on 15 shots) and Kevin Reiter (10/12) tended goal for the Sharks.
*Info courtesy of www.theahl.com
September 29, 2010
Providence goaltender Matt Dalton turned in a 22-save shutout performance as the Bruins took a 4-0 win over Worcester in Marlboro, Mass., in the preseason opener for both squads.
Dalton, who went winless in five appearances for Providence as a rookie in 2009-10, sandwiched a seven-save second period between 10-save efforts in the first and third frames.
Yannick Riendeau led the way with a goal and two assists for the Bruins, who raced out to a 2-0 first-period lead and never looked back. Antoine Roussel, Casey Haines, and defenseman Brandon Gentile also scored in the victory.
Carter Hutton (13 saves on 15 shots) and Kevin Reiter (10/12) tended goal for the Sharks.
*Info courtesy of www.theahl.com
Friday, September 3, 2010
Bruins Sign Wyatt Smith
Veteran Forward Signsed to Offset Loss of Trent Whitfield
September 3, 2010
Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed forward Wyatt Smith to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.The 33-year-old Smith is a veteran of 211 NHL games splitting his time between five NHL Teams: the Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche. Last season, Smith skated with AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins totaling 13-35=48 in 76 games played. He also added 70 penalty minutes. Smith signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in July of 2009.Smith made his NHL debut in the 1999-2000 season, appearing in two games for the Coyotes.
The 5’11”, 205-pound native of Thief River Falls, MN, was originally selected by Phoenix in the ninth round (233rd overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.bostonbruins.com
September 3, 2010
Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed forward Wyatt Smith to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.The 33-year-old Smith is a veteran of 211 NHL games splitting his time between five NHL Teams: the Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche. Last season, Smith skated with AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins totaling 13-35=48 in 76 games played. He also added 70 penalty minutes. Smith signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in July of 2009.Smith made his NHL debut in the 1999-2000 season, appearing in two games for the Coyotes.
The 5’11”, 205-pound native of Thief River Falls, MN, was originally selected by Phoenix in the ninth round (233rd overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.
*Information gathered from www.bostonbruins.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
P-Bruins Updates
AHL SCHEDULE TO BE RELEASED TODAY
August 25, 2010
Other Updates:
P-BRUINS ANNOUNCE PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
Providence to Take on Worcester and Springfield
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced their pre-season schedule for the 2010-11 season, with two games to be played in Massachusetts.
The P-Bruins' pre-season schedule begins on Wednesday, September 29 as Providence serves as the host team against the Worcester Sharks at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA. For information on tickets for the game at the New England Sports Center, starting at 7:05 p.m., please call the New England Sports Center at (508) 229-2700.
Providence wraps up the pre-season on Saturday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center against the Springfield Falcons.
Date Opponent Location Time
Wed. September 29 Worcester Sharks N.E. Sports Center 7:05 p.m.
Sat. October 2 Springfield Falcons MassMutual Center 7:00 p.m.
The 2010-11 regular season begins on October 8 with Providence hosting Springfield at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
Trent Whitfield Lost For Season
Providence Bruins captain Trent Whitfield, will miss the entire 2010-11 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles. Whitfield was training in preparation for the upcoming season when he tore his achilles tendon. Whitfield split the season between Providence and Boston adding depth when injuries ravaged the Boston club.
Leading Scorer Mikko Lehtonen To Play In Sweden
Providence's leading scorer last season, forward Mikko Lehtonen has signed a one-year deal with Skelleftea of the Swedish Elite League. Lehtonen was the Bruins' third-round pick in 2005.
Lehtonen was a restricted free agent and the Bruins will retain his rights.
The Boston Bruins full training camp opens on Friday, September 17.
The Providence training camp opens September 27, 2010.
August 25, 2010
Other Updates:
P-BRUINS ANNOUNCE PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
Providence to Take on Worcester and Springfield
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, today announced their pre-season schedule for the 2010-11 season, with two games to be played in Massachusetts.
The P-Bruins' pre-season schedule begins on Wednesday, September 29 as Providence serves as the host team against the Worcester Sharks at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA. For information on tickets for the game at the New England Sports Center, starting at 7:05 p.m., please call the New England Sports Center at (508) 229-2700.
Providence wraps up the pre-season on Saturday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center against the Springfield Falcons.
Date Opponent Location Time
Wed. September 29 Worcester Sharks N.E. Sports Center 7:05 p.m.
Sat. October 2 Springfield Falcons MassMutual Center 7:00 p.m.
The 2010-11 regular season begins on October 8 with Providence hosting Springfield at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
Trent Whitfield Lost For Season
Providence Bruins captain Trent Whitfield, will miss the entire 2010-11 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles. Whitfield was training in preparation for the upcoming season when he tore his achilles tendon. Whitfield split the season between Providence and Boston adding depth when injuries ravaged the Boston club.
Leading Scorer Mikko Lehtonen To Play In Sweden
Providence's leading scorer last season, forward Mikko Lehtonen has signed a one-year deal with Skelleftea of the Swedish Elite League. Lehtonen was the Bruins' third-round pick in 2005.
Lehtonen was a restricted free agent and the Bruins will retain his rights.
The Boston Bruins full training camp opens on Friday, September 17.
The Providence training camp opens September 27, 2010.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Providence Schedule Format Determined
P-BRUINS ANNOUNCE 2010-11 OPPONENTS
July 13, 2010
Providence, RI - The American Hockey League today announced its schedule format for the 2010-11 season. The Providence Bruins will play their current Atlantic Division rivals from the Eastern Conference and will make a trip out to Abbotsford and to Charlotte to face the newly added Checkers. All told, the 2010-11 competition for the P-Bruins features 12 different opponents, nine of which made the postseason in 2009-10.
While the schedule will not be announced until late in the summer, the P-Bruins' schedule format is as follows. In Atlantic Division competition, Providence will face all six teams, including the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Hartford Wolf Pack, Manchester Monarchs, Portland Pirates, Springfield Falcons and the Worcester Sharks. In the East Division, the P-Bruins will battle the Albany Devils, Binghamton Senators, Charlotte Checkers, Hershey Bears, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In the Western Conference, the P-Bruins take on the Abbotsford Heat.
A complete breakdown of the P-Bruins' opponents and how many times they will face each other are as follows:
ATLANTIC DIVISION
PROVIDENCE BRUINS (Boston)
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders) - 5 H, 5 A
Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers) - 5 H, 5 A
Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles) - 5 H, 5 A
Portland Pirates (Buffalo) - 6 H, 6 A
Springfield Falcons (Columbus) - 5 H, 5 A
Worcester Sharks (San Jose) - 6 H, 6 A
EAST DIVISION
Albany Devils (New Jersey) - 1 H, 1 A
Binghamton Senators (Ottawa) - 1 H, 1 A
Charlotte Checkers (Carolina) - 2 H, 2 A
Hershey Bears (Washington) - 1 H, 1 A
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) - 1 H, 1 A
NORTH DIVISION
Abbotsford Heat (Calgary) - 2 H, 2 A
The AHL will continue to feature two conferences, now encompassing two seven-team divisions and two eight-club divisions. Two new teams are joining the AHL this upcoming season, including the Oklahoma City Barons and Charlotte giving the league a total of 30 clubs vying for the 2011 Calder Cup.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
July 13, 2010
Providence, RI - The American Hockey League today announced its schedule format for the 2010-11 season. The Providence Bruins will play their current Atlantic Division rivals from the Eastern Conference and will make a trip out to Abbotsford and to Charlotte to face the newly added Checkers. All told, the 2010-11 competition for the P-Bruins features 12 different opponents, nine of which made the postseason in 2009-10.
While the schedule will not be announced until late in the summer, the P-Bruins' schedule format is as follows. In Atlantic Division competition, Providence will face all six teams, including the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Hartford Wolf Pack, Manchester Monarchs, Portland Pirates, Springfield Falcons and the Worcester Sharks. In the East Division, the P-Bruins will battle the Albany Devils, Binghamton Senators, Charlotte Checkers, Hershey Bears, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In the Western Conference, the P-Bruins take on the Abbotsford Heat.
A complete breakdown of the P-Bruins' opponents and how many times they will face each other are as follows:
ATLANTIC DIVISION
PROVIDENCE BRUINS (Boston)
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders) - 5 H, 5 A
Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers) - 5 H, 5 A
Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles) - 5 H, 5 A
Portland Pirates (Buffalo) - 6 H, 6 A
Springfield Falcons (Columbus) - 5 H, 5 A
Worcester Sharks (San Jose) - 6 H, 6 A
EAST DIVISION
Albany Devils (New Jersey) - 1 H, 1 A
Binghamton Senators (Ottawa) - 1 H, 1 A
Charlotte Checkers (Carolina) - 2 H, 2 A
Hershey Bears (Washington) - 1 H, 1 A
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) - 1 H, 1 A
NORTH DIVISION
Abbotsford Heat (Calgary) - 2 H, 2 A
The AHL will continue to feature two conferences, now encompassing two seven-team divisions and two eight-club divisions. Two new teams are joining the AHL this upcoming season, including the Oklahoma City Barons and Charlotte giving the league a total of 30 clubs vying for the 2011 Calder Cup.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Several Signings & Trade While I've Been Away
Bruins Sign Four Players
Boston signs Andrew Bodnarchuk, Gregory Campbell, Jeff LoVecchio and Adam McQuaid
July 15, 2010
General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk to a 1-year contract, forward Gregory Campbell to a 2-year contract, forward Jeff LoVecchio to a 1-year contract and defenseman Adam McQuaid to a 2 -year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
The 22-year-old Andrew Bodnarchuk is a veteran of 5 NHL regular season games and registered 2 penalty minutes in those contests.
He skated 132 regular season games with Providence over the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons compiling a total of 6 goals, 19 assists, 25 points and 84 penalty minutes. He played his first NHL game on April 3rd, 2010 in Toronto where he was recalled to Boston and played in 5 scoreless games. He spent most of his 2009-10 season with Providence with 5-10=15 totals and 51 PIM in 70 AHL Bruins games. He was also called up for the 2010 playoffs but did not dress in any games.
The 5’11”, 185-pound native of Drumheller, AB, Canada was originally selected by Boston in the 2006 entry draft (5th round, 128th overall).
The 26-year-old Gregory Campbell skated in 60 games for Florida last season and registered 2-15=17 totals. He skated in 363 games over six seasons in his NHL career – all with Florida – and has tallied 29-56=85 totals and 312 penalty minutes. Campbell’s best season statistically came in 2008-09 when he registered career highs in goals (13), assists (19), points (32), and penalty minutes (76) in 77 games.
The 6’0”, 199-pound native of London Ontario was originally drafted by the Panthers in the third round (67th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The Bruins acquired Campbell on June 22, 2010 along with Nathan Horton in exchange for Dennis Wideman and the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (15th overall pick traded by Florida to Los Angeles on Draft Day, Los Angeles selected Derek Forbort).
Campbell is a former Memorial Cup champion, as he helped the Kitchener Rangers to the title in 2002-03 after posting 22 goals, 33 assists and 116 penalty minutes in 55 regular season games. He then added 15 goals, four assists and 34 penalty minutes in 21 Memorial Cup postseason contests.
The 24-year-old Jeff LoVecchio is a veteran of two minor league seasons, both played with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. In those two seasons, he has played in 79 games scoring 18 goals and 11 assists for 29 points to go along with 38 penalty minutes. In six postseason contests, all played during the 2007-2008 postseason with Providence, he scored one assist and had two penalty minutes.
Last season, LoVecchio skated in 65 games for Providence, with 15-9=24 totals along with 32 penalty minutes, all career highs for the left-winger. He also managed 128 shots on net in those 65 games.
The 6’2”, 205 pound Chesterfield, Missouri native made his pro debut with Providence on March 14, 2008 and recorded his first career pro points with a goal and an assist the next night against San Antonio.
While he missed the entire 2008-2009 season with a concussion he sustained in July 2008, LoVecchio came back to finish the 2009-2010 season ranked ninth in points on the Bruins AHL affiliate.
LoVecchio played his college hockey at Western Michigan University, where he was named captain in just his second season with the team. There, he recorded 35-38=73 totals in 113 games and 98 penalty minutes in three seasons with the Broncos.
Originally signed to an amateur tryout agreement by Providence on March 14, 2008 after going undrafted, he was then signed as a free agent with Boston on March 18. He has yet to make his NHL debut.
The 23-year-old Adam McQuaid is a veteran of 19 NHL regular season games and registered 1 goal and 21 penalty minutes in those contests. He split the 2009-2010 season between Boston and Providence.
He skated 32 games with Providence this past season compiling 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points and 6 penalty minutes. He was recalled on five occasions to Boston and skated in 19 regular season games. He played his first NHL game on December 19th in Toronto. He scored his first career NHL goal with the game winning goal on February 7th in Montreal which came in his 12th career NHL game. He skated in 9 post-season games with Boston with 6 penalty minutes. His first NHL playoff game was on April 15th in Buffalo in the 2010 conference quarterfinals.
During his 2008-2009 campaign with Providence, he set career-highs in goals (4), assists (11), points (15), penalty minutes (141) and games (78). He suited up in career- best 16 playoff games, adding three assists. He also received the P-Bruins Hendricks Memorial Fan Appreciation Award.
The 6’5”, 209-pound native of Charlottetown, PE, Canada was originally selected by Columbus in the 2005 entry draft (2nd round, 55th overall). He was acquired by Boston from Columbus on May 16, 2007 in exchange for a 2007 fifth round draft pick.
* The above press release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins
BRUINS SIGN McIVER, SCHAEFER
Boston Inks Depth Defenseman and Goaltender
July 5, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Nathan McIver to a two-year contract and goaltender Nolan Schaefer to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
The 25-year-old McIver is a veteran of 36 NHL games, splitting his time between the Vancouver Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks. Last season, McIver scored one goal and had four assists for five points while skating in 44 games with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. He has also added 109 penalty minutes.
McIver made his NHL debut in 2006-2007 season, appearing in one game for the Canucks and totaling seven penalty minutes. He then appeared with Vancouver in 2007-2008, going scoreless for 17 games but registering 52 penalty minutes. He was acquired by Anaheim in 2008-2009 off waivers and skated in a career high 18 NHL games, scoring his first career point on an assist in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. He was then traded back to Vancouver for winger Mike Brown.
The 6'2", 195-pound native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, was originally selected by Vancouver in the eighth round (254th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
The 30-year-old Schaefer is a veteran of 7 NHL games, all played with the San Jose Sharks during the 2005-2006 season where he posted a 5-1-0 record with a 1.87 Goals Against Average and .920 Save Percentage. Last season, Schaefer spent the season with HC CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia after spending the previous three seasons in the AHL. In 22 appearances for Moscow, he recorded six wins, 10 losses, and one overtime loss (6-10-1) while carrying a .895 save percentage and 2.66 goals against average. He also registered two assists.
Schaefer played collegiate hockey at Providence College in Rhode Island, where he set the school record with 2,848 saves in 99 appearances with the team.
The 6'2", 195-pound native of Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, was originally selected by San Jose in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He is the younger brother of former Bruin, Peter Schaefer.
* The above press release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins
BRUINS SIGN VETERAN JEREMY REICH
Former P-Bruins Captain Returns to Fold
July 1, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed forward Jeremy Reich to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
The 31-year-old Reich is a veteran of three NHL seasons, two of which he played for Boston from 2006-2008. He has skated in 99 NHL regular season games, registering 2-4=6 totals and 161 penalty minutes. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-04 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, playing 9 games and registering 1 assist during a call-up.
In September of 2005, the Bruins signed him as a free agent. He scored his first NHL point with the Bruins against his former team, Columbus, in December 2007.
He skated 199 games with the Providence Bruins over three seasons, totaling 33-35=68 and 479 penalty minutes. On June 2, 2009 Reich was signed as a free agent by the New York Islanders where he then went to play 33 games last year with their American Hockey League team, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, totaling 12-8=20 with 24 penalty minutes.
The 6'1" 203-pound native of Craik, Saskatchewan was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (39th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. In the two years Reich spent in Boston (2006-2008) he played in 90 games and totaled 2-3=5 with 141 PIM.
* The above release release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins.
B'S TRADE SOBOTKA FOR WARSOFSKY
Vladimir Sobotka Sent to St. Louis for Unsigned BU Defenseman
June 26, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has acquired unsigned draft choice David Warsofsky from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Vladimir Sobotka.
The 20-year-old Warsofsky is currently a junior defenseman at Boston University and a native of Marshfield, Massachusetts. He has played in 79 career games during his first two years with the Terriers, registering 15 goals and 31 assists for 46 points and 75 penalty minutes. Last season, he played in 34 games and scored a career high 12 goals while tying his career high with 23 points. He has scored 23 points in each of his first two collegiate seasons, registering 3-20=23 totals during his freshman campaign. Warsofsky also played for the United States National Development team in 2007-2008, recording 4-2=6 totals while skating in 15 games.
The 5'9", 170-pound defenseman was originally drafted 95th overall in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by St. Louis.
The 22-year-old Sobotka completed his third NHL season in 2009-10, all with the Bruins. He posted career highs in goals, points and games played last season and matched a career high in assists, registering 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points in 61 games. He also appeared in 6 games for the Providence Bruins, also finishing with 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points. For his NHL career, Sobotka has skated in 134 games with six goals and 16 assists.
The 5'10", 183-pound native of Tredic, Czech Republic was selected by Boston 106th overall in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He had spent his entire career within the Bruins organization.
*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/
BOSTON GIVES BOYCHUK TWO-YEAR EXTENSION
AHL's 2008-09 Eddie Shore Award Winner Returns to Boston
June 24, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Jonny Boychuk to a two-year contract extension. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
Last year marked Boychuk's first full-time NHL season and he registered 5 goals, 10 assists for 15 points and 43 penalty minutes in 51 games for Boston. Boychuk added 2-4=6 totals and 6 penalty minutes during the 13 playoff games he appeared in last postseason. Prior to last season, the 26-year-old Boychuk had skated in five regular season NHL games, splitting those contests between the Colorado Avalanche and the Bruins.
In total, Boychuk has appeared in 56 regular season NHL games while compiling 5-10=15 totals.
He was named the American Hockey League's top defenseman (Eddie Shore Award) in 2008-09 after leading all AHL defensemen in scoring with 20 goals and 45 assists in 78 games as a member of the Providence Bruins.
The 6'2", 225-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta was selected by Colorado in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He was then traded by the Avalanche to the Bruins for Matt Hendricks on June 24, 2008.
* The above press release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins.
Boston signs Andrew Bodnarchuk, Gregory Campbell, Jeff LoVecchio and Adam McQuaid
July 15, 2010
General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk to a 1-year contract, forward Gregory Campbell to a 2-year contract, forward Jeff LoVecchio to a 1-year contract and defenseman Adam McQuaid to a 2 -year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
The 22-year-old Andrew Bodnarchuk is a veteran of 5 NHL regular season games and registered 2 penalty minutes in those contests.
He skated 132 regular season games with Providence over the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons compiling a total of 6 goals, 19 assists, 25 points and 84 penalty minutes. He played his first NHL game on April 3rd, 2010 in Toronto where he was recalled to Boston and played in 5 scoreless games. He spent most of his 2009-10 season with Providence with 5-10=15 totals and 51 PIM in 70 AHL Bruins games. He was also called up for the 2010 playoffs but did not dress in any games.
The 5’11”, 185-pound native of Drumheller, AB, Canada was originally selected by Boston in the 2006 entry draft (5th round, 128th overall).
The 26-year-old Gregory Campbell skated in 60 games for Florida last season and registered 2-15=17 totals. He skated in 363 games over six seasons in his NHL career – all with Florida – and has tallied 29-56=85 totals and 312 penalty minutes. Campbell’s best season statistically came in 2008-09 when he registered career highs in goals (13), assists (19), points (32), and penalty minutes (76) in 77 games.
The 6’0”, 199-pound native of London Ontario was originally drafted by the Panthers in the third round (67th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The Bruins acquired Campbell on June 22, 2010 along with Nathan Horton in exchange for Dennis Wideman and the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (15th overall pick traded by Florida to Los Angeles on Draft Day, Los Angeles selected Derek Forbort).
Campbell is a former Memorial Cup champion, as he helped the Kitchener Rangers to the title in 2002-03 after posting 22 goals, 33 assists and 116 penalty minutes in 55 regular season games. He then added 15 goals, four assists and 34 penalty minutes in 21 Memorial Cup postseason contests.
The 24-year-old Jeff LoVecchio is a veteran of two minor league seasons, both played with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. In those two seasons, he has played in 79 games scoring 18 goals and 11 assists for 29 points to go along with 38 penalty minutes. In six postseason contests, all played during the 2007-2008 postseason with Providence, he scored one assist and had two penalty minutes.
Last season, LoVecchio skated in 65 games for Providence, with 15-9=24 totals along with 32 penalty minutes, all career highs for the left-winger. He also managed 128 shots on net in those 65 games.
The 6’2”, 205 pound Chesterfield, Missouri native made his pro debut with Providence on March 14, 2008 and recorded his first career pro points with a goal and an assist the next night against San Antonio.
While he missed the entire 2008-2009 season with a concussion he sustained in July 2008, LoVecchio came back to finish the 2009-2010 season ranked ninth in points on the Bruins AHL affiliate.
LoVecchio played his college hockey at Western Michigan University, where he was named captain in just his second season with the team. There, he recorded 35-38=73 totals in 113 games and 98 penalty minutes in three seasons with the Broncos.
Originally signed to an amateur tryout agreement by Providence on March 14, 2008 after going undrafted, he was then signed as a free agent with Boston on March 18. He has yet to make his NHL debut.
The 23-year-old Adam McQuaid is a veteran of 19 NHL regular season games and registered 1 goal and 21 penalty minutes in those contests. He split the 2009-2010 season between Boston and Providence.
He skated 32 games with Providence this past season compiling 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points and 6 penalty minutes. He was recalled on five occasions to Boston and skated in 19 regular season games. He played his first NHL game on December 19th in Toronto. He scored his first career NHL goal with the game winning goal on February 7th in Montreal which came in his 12th career NHL game. He skated in 9 post-season games with Boston with 6 penalty minutes. His first NHL playoff game was on April 15th in Buffalo in the 2010 conference quarterfinals.
During his 2008-2009 campaign with Providence, he set career-highs in goals (4), assists (11), points (15), penalty minutes (141) and games (78). He suited up in career- best 16 playoff games, adding three assists. He also received the P-Bruins Hendricks Memorial Fan Appreciation Award.
The 6’5”, 209-pound native of Charlottetown, PE, Canada was originally selected by Columbus in the 2005 entry draft (2nd round, 55th overall). He was acquired by Boston from Columbus on May 16, 2007 in exchange for a 2007 fifth round draft pick.
* The above press release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins
BRUINS SIGN McIVER, SCHAEFER
Boston Inks Depth Defenseman and Goaltender
July 5, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Nathan McIver to a two-year contract and goaltender Nolan Schaefer to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
The 25-year-old McIver is a veteran of 36 NHL games, splitting his time between the Vancouver Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks. Last season, McIver scored one goal and had four assists for five points while skating in 44 games with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. He has also added 109 penalty minutes.
McIver made his NHL debut in 2006-2007 season, appearing in one game for the Canucks and totaling seven penalty minutes. He then appeared with Vancouver in 2007-2008, going scoreless for 17 games but registering 52 penalty minutes. He was acquired by Anaheim in 2008-2009 off waivers and skated in a career high 18 NHL games, scoring his first career point on an assist in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. He was then traded back to Vancouver for winger Mike Brown.
The 6'2", 195-pound native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, was originally selected by Vancouver in the eighth round (254th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
The 30-year-old Schaefer is a veteran of 7 NHL games, all played with the San Jose Sharks during the 2005-2006 season where he posted a 5-1-0 record with a 1.87 Goals Against Average and .920 Save Percentage. Last season, Schaefer spent the season with HC CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia after spending the previous three seasons in the AHL. In 22 appearances for Moscow, he recorded six wins, 10 losses, and one overtime loss (6-10-1) while carrying a .895 save percentage and 2.66 goals against average. He also registered two assists.
Schaefer played collegiate hockey at Providence College in Rhode Island, where he set the school record with 2,848 saves in 99 appearances with the team.
The 6'2", 195-pound native of Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, was originally selected by San Jose in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He is the younger brother of former Bruin, Peter Schaefer.
* The above press release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins
BRUINS SIGN VETERAN JEREMY REICH
Former P-Bruins Captain Returns to Fold
July 1, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed forward Jeremy Reich to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
The 31-year-old Reich is a veteran of three NHL seasons, two of which he played for Boston from 2006-2008. He has skated in 99 NHL regular season games, registering 2-4=6 totals and 161 penalty minutes. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-04 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, playing 9 games and registering 1 assist during a call-up.
In September of 2005, the Bruins signed him as a free agent. He scored his first NHL point with the Bruins against his former team, Columbus, in December 2007.
He skated 199 games with the Providence Bruins over three seasons, totaling 33-35=68 and 479 penalty minutes. On June 2, 2009 Reich was signed as a free agent by the New York Islanders where he then went to play 33 games last year with their American Hockey League team, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, totaling 12-8=20 with 24 penalty minutes.
The 6'1" 203-pound native of Craik, Saskatchewan was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (39th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. In the two years Reich spent in Boston (2006-2008) he played in 90 games and totaled 2-3=5 with 141 PIM.
* The above release release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins.
B'S TRADE SOBOTKA FOR WARSOFSKY
Vladimir Sobotka Sent to St. Louis for Unsigned BU Defenseman
June 26, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has acquired unsigned draft choice David Warsofsky from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Vladimir Sobotka.
The 20-year-old Warsofsky is currently a junior defenseman at Boston University and a native of Marshfield, Massachusetts. He has played in 79 career games during his first two years with the Terriers, registering 15 goals and 31 assists for 46 points and 75 penalty minutes. Last season, he played in 34 games and scored a career high 12 goals while tying his career high with 23 points. He has scored 23 points in each of his first two collegiate seasons, registering 3-20=23 totals during his freshman campaign. Warsofsky also played for the United States National Development team in 2007-2008, recording 4-2=6 totals while skating in 15 games.
The 5'9", 170-pound defenseman was originally drafted 95th overall in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by St. Louis.
The 22-year-old Sobotka completed his third NHL season in 2009-10, all with the Bruins. He posted career highs in goals, points and games played last season and matched a career high in assists, registering 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points in 61 games. He also appeared in 6 games for the Providence Bruins, also finishing with 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points. For his NHL career, Sobotka has skated in 134 games with six goals and 16 assists.
The 5'10", 183-pound native of Tredic, Czech Republic was selected by Boston 106th overall in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He had spent his entire career within the Bruins organization.
*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/
BOSTON GIVES BOYCHUK TWO-YEAR EXTENSION
AHL's 2008-09 Eddie Shore Award Winner Returns to Boston
June 24, 2010
Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Jonny Boychuk to a two-year contract extension. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
Last year marked Boychuk's first full-time NHL season and he registered 5 goals, 10 assists for 15 points and 43 penalty minutes in 51 games for Boston. Boychuk added 2-4=6 totals and 6 penalty minutes during the 13 playoff games he appeared in last postseason. Prior to last season, the 26-year-old Boychuk had skated in five regular season NHL games, splitting those contests between the Colorado Avalanche and the Bruins.
In total, Boychuk has appeared in 56 regular season NHL games while compiling 5-10=15 totals.
He was named the American Hockey League's top defenseman (Eddie Shore Award) in 2008-09 after leading all AHL defensemen in scoring with 20 goals and 45 assists in 78 games as a member of the Providence Bruins.
The 6'2", 225-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta was selected by Colorado in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He was then traded by the Avalanche to the Bruins for Matt Hendricks on June 24, 2008.
* The above press release is courtesy of the Boston Bruins.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Providence's Atlantic Division Back To Seven Teams
AHL Announces Division Alignment for 2010
June 20, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that they will be a part of a seven-team Atlantic Division when the AHL opens the 2010-11 season. The league will operate with an all-time high of 30 teams in its historic 75th campaign as all 30 National Hockey League clubs will be represented by their own primary AHL affiliate.
After the Atlantic Division grew to eight teams in 2009-10 with the addition of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, it is now back to seven squads with the loss of the Lowell Devils. The P-Bruins will play the majority of their games against Bridgeport, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Manchester Monarchs, the Portland Pirates, the Springfield Falcons and the Worcester Sharks.
Below is a complete list of the new 2010-11 conferences and divisions, as well as the NHL affiliates of the teams involved.
Eastern Conference:
Atlantic Division - Providence (Boston Bruins), Bridgeport (New York Islanders), Hartford (New York Rangers), Manchester (Los Angeles Kings), Portland (Buffalo Sabres), Springfield (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Worcester (San Jose Sharks)
East Division - Adirondack Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers), Albany Devils (New Jersey Devils), Binghamton Senators (Ottawa Senators), Charlotte Checkers (Carolina Hurricanes), Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals), Norfolk Admirals (Tampa Bay Lightning), Syracuse Crunch (Anaheim Ducks) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Western Conference:
North Division - Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames), Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings), Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens), Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche), Manitoba Moose (Vancouver Canucks), Rochester Americans (Florida Panthers) and Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)
West Division - Chicago Wolves (Atlanta Thrashers), Houston Aeros (Minnesota Wild), Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators), Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton Oilers), Peoria Rivermen (St. Louis Blues), Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks), San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix Coyotes) and Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)
The 2010-11 regular season will begin on October 8 with Providence hosting Springfield at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The complete schedule will be announced later this summer.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
June 20, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that they will be a part of a seven-team Atlantic Division when the AHL opens the 2010-11 season. The league will operate with an all-time high of 30 teams in its historic 75th campaign as all 30 National Hockey League clubs will be represented by their own primary AHL affiliate.
After the Atlantic Division grew to eight teams in 2009-10 with the addition of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, it is now back to seven squads with the loss of the Lowell Devils. The P-Bruins will play the majority of their games against Bridgeport, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Manchester Monarchs, the Portland Pirates, the Springfield Falcons and the Worcester Sharks.
Below is a complete list of the new 2010-11 conferences and divisions, as well as the NHL affiliates of the teams involved.
Eastern Conference:
Atlantic Division - Providence (Boston Bruins), Bridgeport (New York Islanders), Hartford (New York Rangers), Manchester (Los Angeles Kings), Portland (Buffalo Sabres), Springfield (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Worcester (San Jose Sharks)
East Division - Adirondack Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers), Albany Devils (New Jersey Devils), Binghamton Senators (Ottawa Senators), Charlotte Checkers (Carolina Hurricanes), Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals), Norfolk Admirals (Tampa Bay Lightning), Syracuse Crunch (Anaheim Ducks) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Western Conference:
North Division - Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames), Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings), Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens), Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche), Manitoba Moose (Vancouver Canucks), Rochester Americans (Florida Panthers) and Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)
West Division - Chicago Wolves (Atlanta Thrashers), Houston Aeros (Minnesota Wild), Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators), Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton Oilers), Peoria Rivermen (St. Louis Blues), Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks), San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix Coyotes) and Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)
The 2010-11 regular season will begin on October 8 with Providence hosting Springfield at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The complete schedule will be announced later this summer.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Providence To Open 75th AHL Season
P-BRUINS TO OPEN 2010-11 SEASON AT THE DUNK
Providence Will Begin Campaign with Springfield on October 8
June 8, 2010
Providence Will Begin Campaign with Springfield on October 8
June 8, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, entering their 19th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that they will open the 2010-11 season on Friday, October 8 with a home-and-home series against the Springfield Falcons.
The P-Bruins will host the season opener that night at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and then will travel to face the Falcons on Saturday, October 9 at the MassMutual Center.
As part of the AHL's 75th anniversary celebration, the P-Bruins will wear throwback Rhode Island Reds jerseys for both games, while the Falcons will wear throwback Springfield Indians jerseys.
Throughout the season, Providence will pay tribute to the Reds and the AHL's 75 seasons with theme nights, special jerseys, jerseys auctions and promotional nights, honoring the squad that played in Rhode Island from 1926 through 1977, winning three Fontaine Cups and four Calder Cups.
The AHL will celebrate its storied history in 2010-11 with a special new logo, new merchandise, new jerseys and a return to an East versus West All-Star Classic format for the first time since 1942. The 2011 AHL All-Star Classic, which will pit players from each of the AHL's two conferences against each other, will take place at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on January 30-31.
*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/
Monday, April 19, 2010
Providence Bruins: A Season of Inconsistency
Providence Wrap-up
April 19, 2010
By T.Chace Jr.
It feels to me like Providence’s season is still going, with so many graduates of the team still playing; only now they are in an NHL playoff battle against the Buffalo Sabres. The Providence Bruins season has been officially over for more than a week but many skaters are still on the ice.
All season long the Providence to Boston shuffle wore the tires off several vehicles. Head Coach Rob Murray of Providence had to deal with new players on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. The lack of consistency has been the single biggest factor that allowed Providence to miss the playoffs for only the third time in their 18 year history. The team also shared something in common with Boston, the lack of goal scoring. Not a great trait to be sharing. The lack of scorers on both teams will need to be addressed before the 2010-11 season begins. Only five teams in the AHL scored fewer goals than Providence this season. Leading scorer Mikko Lehtonen finished with 23 goals and 50 points. The second leading scorer was Captain Trent Whitfield who only played in 52 games for Providence yet scored 17 goals and had 43 points. The team had many first year professionals and other young players who needed players to question and learn from, but too many were filling in up in Boston. Players like Vladimir Sobotka, Brad Marchand, Adam McQuaid, Johnny Boychuk, and Whitfield all began the year in Providence and knew their way around the city, familiar with the system; they were teachers who got promotions. The rest of the team’s veterans were either injured or inconsistent most of the season.
On the bright side, many young players who were not expected to contribute or even play on the AHL level have now gained valuable experience that they normally would not have gotten. That certainly bodes well for the future. Players in their early twenties like Yannick Riendeau, Maxime Sauve, Joe Colborne, Lane MacDermid, Zach Hamill, Jamie Arniel, Levi Nelson, Alain Goulet, and Jordan Knackstedt all should be able to be more consistent night in and night out next year.
The PBruins record was just under .500, and that mirrored the season. Two winning streaks of five and four games was coupled with losses of six of seven, five of six, and six straight at various points during the season. The goaltending by Dany Sabourin and Kevin Regan was for the most part the most consistent part of the team. Defensive breakdowns were to blame for many of the goals scored against. The loss of McQuaid and Boychuk could not be made up by the d-men Providence suited up all year.
The coaching staff did everything they could to get the most out of the team, but no goals and a shuffling lineup, made their task arduous in 2009-10. I expect Providence to be back with a vengeance next season; in the meantime I can watch the graduates as they gain valuable experience at the NHL level.
April 19, 2010
By T.Chace Jr.
It feels to me like Providence’s season is still going, with so many graduates of the team still playing; only now they are in an NHL playoff battle against the Buffalo Sabres. The Providence Bruins season has been officially over for more than a week but many skaters are still on the ice.
All season long the Providence to Boston shuffle wore the tires off several vehicles. Head Coach Rob Murray of Providence had to deal with new players on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. The lack of consistency has been the single biggest factor that allowed Providence to miss the playoffs for only the third time in their 18 year history. The team also shared something in common with Boston, the lack of goal scoring. Not a great trait to be sharing. The lack of scorers on both teams will need to be addressed before the 2010-11 season begins. Only five teams in the AHL scored fewer goals than Providence this season. Leading scorer Mikko Lehtonen finished with 23 goals and 50 points. The second leading scorer was Captain Trent Whitfield who only played in 52 games for Providence yet scored 17 goals and had 43 points. The team had many first year professionals and other young players who needed players to question and learn from, but too many were filling in up in Boston. Players like Vladimir Sobotka, Brad Marchand, Adam McQuaid, Johnny Boychuk, and Whitfield all began the year in Providence and knew their way around the city, familiar with the system; they were teachers who got promotions. The rest of the team’s veterans were either injured or inconsistent most of the season.
On the bright side, many young players who were not expected to contribute or even play on the AHL level have now gained valuable experience that they normally would not have gotten. That certainly bodes well for the future. Players in their early twenties like Yannick Riendeau, Maxime Sauve, Joe Colborne, Lane MacDermid, Zach Hamill, Jamie Arniel, Levi Nelson, Alain Goulet, and Jordan Knackstedt all should be able to be more consistent night in and night out next year.
The PBruins record was just under .500, and that mirrored the season. Two winning streaks of five and four games was coupled with losses of six of seven, five of six, and six straight at various points during the season. The goaltending by Dany Sabourin and Kevin Regan was for the most part the most consistent part of the team. Defensive breakdowns were to blame for many of the goals scored against. The loss of McQuaid and Boychuk could not be made up by the d-men Providence suited up all year.
The coaching staff did everything they could to get the most out of the team, but no goals and a shuffling lineup, made their task arduous in 2009-10. I expect Providence to be back with a vengeance next season; in the meantime I can watch the graduates as they gain valuable experience at the NHL level.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Boston Recalls Four Providence Players
Promotions Still Continue For Providence
Larman, Lehtonen, Sabourin and Sauve Get the Call
April 13, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, who recently concluded their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have recalled forwards Drew Larman, Mikko Lehtonen and Maxime Sauve, along with goaltender Dany Sabourin from Providence. Larman, Lehtonen, Sabourin and Sauve will join forward Zach Hamill and train in Providence as the Bruins open the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. All five players will be available to participate in Bruins practices during the playoffs and will also be available for the Bruins playoff roster. There may be additional players recalled subject to players' availability.
Larman, 24, appeared in 55 games for Providence this season, scoring 12 points, including six goals and six assists. The last contest of the P-Bruins' season marked the 300th game of Larman's professional career. His play this year was limited by injury, missing 22 straight games from February 12 to March 28. The undrafted center has also suited up for four NHL games this season over two January recalls to Boston, going scoreless. He made his Bruins debut on January 18 against the Ottawa Senators. Prior to signing with Boston on July 13, 2009, Larman spent the majority of his first four pro seasons with the Rochester Americans, twice winning the team's McCulloch Trophy for outstanding community service. The fifth-year pro enjoyed previous NHL experience with the Florida Panthers, dressing for 22 games with three points (2g, a) from 2006-08. In his career, the Canton, Michigan, native has suited up for 308 games between the regular season and playoffs, amassing 109 points (56g, 53a).
Lehtonen, 23, led the P-Bruins with 23 goals and 50 points in a team-best 78 games this season after also pacing the club in goals with 28 as a rookie last year. The PlanetUSA All-Star starter registered 11 multiple-point games on the season, along with four point-streaks of at least three games. Lehtonen appeared in one game for Boston this year, going scoreless against the Montreal Canadiens on November 5, 2009. The Espoo, Finland, native was drafted by the Bruins 83rd overall in the third round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In two pro seasons, Lehtonen has dressed for 166 total games, recording 83 goals and 57 assists for 110 points. He has appeared in two career NHL games.
Sabourin, 29, went 28-27-0 with three shutouts in a career-high 56 games for Providence this year, along with a 2.67 goals-against-average and .915 save percentage. Sabourin allowed two goals or fewer in 32 of his 56 games. He was recalled to Boston on March 5 and served as a back-up to Tim Thomas in two games before returning to the P-Bruins. In 11 pro seasons, Sabourin has played in 57 NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins, compiling an 18-25-4 mark and 2.87 GAA. The native of Val d'Or, Quebec, was selected by Calgary 108th overall in round four of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by the Bruins as a free agent on July 7, 2009.
Sauve, 20, joined Providence on an Amateur Tryout Agreement on March 31 following the conclusion of his junior season with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Val d'Or Foreurs. The center appeared in six games for Providence to finish the regular season, scoring two goals. Both of his goals came in his professional debut on April 2 against the Worcester Sharks to finish as the game's top star. In juniors, Sauve's fourth season was limited by injury but the forward still finished with 35 points (13g, 22a) in his 25 regular season games. He added seven points (5g, 2a) in six postseason outings. In his junior career, split between Val d'Or and the Quebec Remparts, Sauve scored 192 points (76g, 116a) in 219 regular season games, along with 12 points (7g, 5a) in 12 playoff contests. The Tours, France, native was selected by Boston 47th overall in round two of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on December 2, 2009.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Larman, Lehtonen, Sabourin and Sauve Get the Call
April 13, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, who recently concluded their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have recalled forwards Drew Larman, Mikko Lehtonen and Maxime Sauve, along with goaltender Dany Sabourin from Providence. Larman, Lehtonen, Sabourin and Sauve will join forward Zach Hamill and train in Providence as the Bruins open the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. All five players will be available to participate in Bruins practices during the playoffs and will also be available for the Bruins playoff roster. There may be additional players recalled subject to players' availability.
Larman, 24, appeared in 55 games for Providence this season, scoring 12 points, including six goals and six assists. The last contest of the P-Bruins' season marked the 300th game of Larman's professional career. His play this year was limited by injury, missing 22 straight games from February 12 to March 28. The undrafted center has also suited up for four NHL games this season over two January recalls to Boston, going scoreless. He made his Bruins debut on January 18 against the Ottawa Senators. Prior to signing with Boston on July 13, 2009, Larman spent the majority of his first four pro seasons with the Rochester Americans, twice winning the team's McCulloch Trophy for outstanding community service. The fifth-year pro enjoyed previous NHL experience with the Florida Panthers, dressing for 22 games with three points (2g, a) from 2006-08. In his career, the Canton, Michigan, native has suited up for 308 games between the regular season and playoffs, amassing 109 points (56g, 53a).
Lehtonen, 23, led the P-Bruins with 23 goals and 50 points in a team-best 78 games this season after also pacing the club in goals with 28 as a rookie last year. The PlanetUSA All-Star starter registered 11 multiple-point games on the season, along with four point-streaks of at least three games. Lehtonen appeared in one game for Boston this year, going scoreless against the Montreal Canadiens on November 5, 2009. The Espoo, Finland, native was drafted by the Bruins 83rd overall in the third round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In two pro seasons, Lehtonen has dressed for 166 total games, recording 83 goals and 57 assists for 110 points. He has appeared in two career NHL games.
Sabourin, 29, went 28-27-0 with three shutouts in a career-high 56 games for Providence this year, along with a 2.67 goals-against-average and .915 save percentage. Sabourin allowed two goals or fewer in 32 of his 56 games. He was recalled to Boston on March 5 and served as a back-up to Tim Thomas in two games before returning to the P-Bruins. In 11 pro seasons, Sabourin has played in 57 NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins, compiling an 18-25-4 mark and 2.87 GAA. The native of Val d'Or, Quebec, was selected by Calgary 108th overall in round four of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by the Bruins as a free agent on July 7, 2009.
Sauve, 20, joined Providence on an Amateur Tryout Agreement on March 31 following the conclusion of his junior season with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Val d'Or Foreurs. The center appeared in six games for Providence to finish the regular season, scoring two goals. Both of his goals came in his professional debut on April 2 against the Worcester Sharks to finish as the game's top star. In juniors, Sauve's fourth season was limited by injury but the forward still finished with 35 points (13g, 22a) in his 25 regular season games. He added seven points (5g, 2a) in six postseason outings. In his junior career, split between Val d'Or and the Quebec Remparts, Sauve scored 192 points (76g, 116a) in 219 regular season games, along with 12 points (7g, 5a) in 12 playoff contests. The Tours, France, native was selected by Boston 47th overall in round two of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on December 2, 2009.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Hamill and Penner Called Up By Boston
Two Providence Bruins Could See Action On Sunday
April 10, 2010
The Bruins have promoted Zach Hamill and Jeff Penner from Providence. Both will be available for tomorrow's regular-season finale against Washington.
This is the first NHL recall for Hamill, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2007 draft. The 21-year-old center has 14 goals and 30 assists in 75 games for Providence this season.
Penner was brought up on emergency recall last month when Zdeno Chara was unavailable because of a lower-body injury.
April 10, 2010
The Bruins have promoted Zach Hamill and Jeff Penner from Providence. Both will be available for tomorrow's regular-season finale against Washington.
This is the first NHL recall for Hamill, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2007 draft. The 21-year-old center has 14 goals and 30 assists in 75 games for Providence this season.
Penner was brought up on emergency recall last month when Zdeno Chara was unavailable because of a lower-body injury.
Providence Players Receive Honors
P-BRUINS HAND OUT TEAM AWARDS
Eight Different Players Honored in Pregame Ceremony
April 9, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced their end of the year award winners, who were honored in a ceremony prior to Friday night's 3-2 overtime win against the Springfield Falcons at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
Captain Trent Whitfield, currently on recall to the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, was named Providence's MetLife Most Valuable Player. Whitfield received the award, voted on by his teammates, after scoring 17 goals and totaling 43 points in just 52 games for Providence. The veteran has also appeared in 15 contests for Boston, tallying one assist.
Defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk, who regularly this year was matched up against the top lines of the opposition, was voted by his teammates as this season's Dunkin' Donuts Best Defenseman after scoring a career-best 15 points (5g, 10a) with a plus-seven rating in 70 outings for the P-Bruins. The second-year blue-liner is currently in Boston, where he recently earned his first career NHL recall and has appeared in three games for the parent Bruins.
Center Jamie Arniel, thanks to the recognition of his team, is Providence's Martone Group Rookie of the Year after leading all P-Bruins first-year players with 28 points, including 12 goals and 16 assists, in 65 games. Arniel was Providence's Player of the Month and the league's Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month in November after scoring seven goals and 12 points in 13 contests.
Providence's leader in goals and points this season is Mikko Lehtonen, earning him the team's Shaw's Leading Scorer Award. The second-year P-Bruins winger has 23 goals and a personal-high 27 helpers for 50 points in 76 games, also ranking first on the team. He has enjoyed one call-up to Boston this season, suiting up for one game.
Second-year P-Bruins center and top Boston draft pick Zach Hamill was the recipient of the US Army 3 Stars Award. Hamill is second on the club with 44 points, including career-highs in goals (14), assists (30) and games played (75).
Defenseman Adam McQuaid, who has won an award for the P-Bruins during each of his three years in Rhode Island, was the winner of the Champion Windows Plus-Minus Award. McQuaid has a plus-11 rating in just 32 games for Providence. Last year, the blue-liner was the fans' recipient of the Fan Appreciation Award after being named the team's Community Service Award winner as a rookie in 2007-08.
Goaltender Kevin Regan, Providence's recipient of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year Award, is also the P-Bruins' Pawtucket Credit Union Community Service Award winner for his many school visits, his partnership with Adoption Rhode Island and other charitable ventures.
Finally, right wing Brad Marchand, now a member of Boston's line-up, was voted by the fans as the winner of the Hendricks Memorial Fan Appreciation Award. Marchand is in his second pro season after taking Providence's Rookie of the Year honor a season ago. This year, Marchand recorded 32 points (13g, 19a) in 32 games for the P-Bruins, and he currently has one assist in 19 NHL contests for Boston.
*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/
Goaltender Nevin Hamilton Back In Providence
HAMILTON RETURNS TO PROVIDENCE
Rookie Goalie Backed Up Three Games Last Weekend
April 9, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that they have signed goaltender Nevin Hamilton to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. With the move, the P-Bruins have 25 players on their roster, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
Hamilton, 24, returns to Providence after backing up Dany Sabourin in three games last weekend. He was previously under contract with the P-Bruins from April 2-5. He has yet to appear in a pro game.
The goalie recently concluded his senior season with the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, finishing the campaign with a 6-4-2 record in 13 games, along with a 2.91 goals-against-average and .905 save percentage. The Red Hawks' season ended on March 14 in the Hockey East Quarterfinals at the hands of the Maine Black Bears. Hamilton's best stretch of the year came from October 23, 2009 - November 21, 2009, when he went 4-0-1, allowing only 12 goals over five outings. In his four collegiate seasons, the Ashland, Massachusetts, native compiled a 28-23-6 mark with a 2.46 GAA and .913 save percentage.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Rookie Goalie Backed Up Three Games Last Weekend
April 9, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that they have signed goaltender Nevin Hamilton to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. With the move, the P-Bruins have 25 players on their roster, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.
Hamilton, 24, returns to Providence after backing up Dany Sabourin in three games last weekend. He was previously under contract with the P-Bruins from April 2-5. He has yet to appear in a pro game.
The goalie recently concluded his senior season with the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, finishing the campaign with a 6-4-2 record in 13 games, along with a 2.91 goals-against-average and .905 save percentage. The Red Hawks' season ended on March 14 in the Hockey East Quarterfinals at the hands of the Maine Black Bears. Hamilton's best stretch of the year came from October 23, 2009 - November 21, 2009, when he went 4-0-1, allowing only 12 goals over five outings. In his four collegiate seasons, the Ashland, Massachusetts, native compiled a 28-23-6 mark with a 2.46 GAA and .913 save percentage.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Former Manchester Monarch Signs
P-BRUINS BRING IN AHL VETERAN
Massachusetts Native Doug Nolan Signs On with Providence
April 8, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that they have signed veteran defenseman Doug Nolan to a Professional Tryout Agreement. With the move, the P-Bruins have 24 players on their roster, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders.
Nolan, 34, joins Providence after spending 19 games with the AHL's Manchester Monarchs, where he dished out three assists and recorded 31 penalty minutes. The 11th year pro signed a PTO with Manchester on December 10, 2009 and remained with the club until his April 5 release.
The defenseman has spent the majority of his AHL career with Manchester, along with stints with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Hamilton Bulldogs and Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. In the AHL, Nolan has recorded 40 points (5g, 35a) and 521 PIM in 314 games between the regular season and postseason. Since turning pro in 1999-00, he has registered 136 points (25g, 91a) and 1,173 PIM in 614 total contests between the AHL, ECHL and overseas play. A product of the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, Nolan was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs 282nd overall in round 11 of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Massachusetts Native Doug Nolan Signs On with Providence
April 8, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that they have signed veteran defenseman Doug Nolan to a Professional Tryout Agreement. With the move, the P-Bruins have 24 players on their roster, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders.
Nolan, 34, joins Providence after spending 19 games with the AHL's Manchester Monarchs, where he dished out three assists and recorded 31 penalty minutes. The 11th year pro signed a PTO with Manchester on December 10, 2009 and remained with the club until his April 5 release.
The defenseman has spent the majority of his AHL career with Manchester, along with stints with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Hamilton Bulldogs and Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. In the AHL, Nolan has recorded 40 points (5g, 35a) and 521 PIM in 314 games between the regular season and postseason. Since turning pro in 1999-00, he has registered 136 points (25g, 91a) and 1,173 PIM in 614 total contests between the AHL, ECHL and overseas play. A product of the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, Nolan was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs 282nd overall in round 11 of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Monday, April 5, 2010
McQuaid is Healthy Again, Called Up To Boston
McQuaid Called Up, Two Other P-Bruins Moved
April 5, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have recalled defenseman Adam McQuaid on an emergency basis. McQuaid has joined the team in Washington, DC and will participate in the Bruins' morning skate today at the Verizon Center. With the move, Providence has 23 players on its roster, including 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders.
McQuaid, 23, was assigned to Providence on February 14 but appeared in only one game for the P-Bruins after missing 22 straight games due to injury. He made his return to the line-up on April 4, going scoreless at the Portland Pirates in Providence's 3-2 overtime win. In 32 AHL games this season, McQuaid has recorded 10 points (3g, 7a) and 66 penalty minutes.
The third-year defenseman has appeared in 15 games for Boston over four previous recalls this season since making his NHL debut on December 19, 2009 at the Toronto Maple Leafs. McQuaid registered his first career NHL point, the game-winning goal, on February 7 at the Montreal Canadiens. He has recorded 19 penalty minutes in his time in Boston.
Last season, the native of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, set personal-highs with four goals, 11 assists, 15 points and 141 PIM in 78 regular season games to earn Providence's Fan Appreciation Award. As a rookie with the P-Bruins in 2007-08, McQuaid was named the team's Man of the Year and Community Service Award winner. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets 55th overall in round two of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and was later traded by Columbus to Boston on May 16, 2007 for the 129th overall pick (Jamie Benn) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
P-BRUINS TRIM ROSTER BY TWO
Kwiet Assigned to Reading, Hamilton Released from ATO
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that they have assigned defenseman Rob Kwiet to the ECHL's Reading Royals and released goaltender Nevin Hamilton from his Amateur Tryout Agreement. With the moves, Providence has 24 players on its roster, including 14 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders.
Kwiet, 21, was recalled by Providence on April 3 and suited up for one game, dressing that night against the Manchester Monarchs. In 41 games for Providence this season, the rookie has scored one goal. Kwiet returns to Reading for the fourth time this year, where he has tallied seven assists in 17 games. In his most recent ECHL contest on April 2, the defenseman registered a career-high four assists against the Wheeling Nailers. Last season, Kwiet won a Memorial Cup championship as a member of the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires, while also recording personal-highs with 12 goals, 55 assists and 67 points in 66 regular season games. He added 15 points (5g, 10a) in 20 playoff contests. Kwiet signed an AHL contract with Providence on July 13, 2009.
Hamilton, 24, signed with the P-Bruins on April 2 and did not appear in a game for Providence. The goaltender recently concluded his senior season with the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, finishing the campaign with a 6-4-2 record in 13 games, along with a 2.91 goals-against-average and .905 save percentage. The Red Hawks' campaign ended on March 14 in the Hockey East Quarterfinals at the hands of the Maine Black Bears. Hamilton's best stretch of the season came from October 23, 2009 - November 21, 2009, when he went 4-0-1, allowing only 12 goals over five outings. In his four seasons, the Ashland, Massachusetts, native compiled a 28-23-6 mark with a 2.46 GAA and .913 save percentage.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
All photographs are property of T.Chace Jr.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Boston Signings Alter Providence Roster
BOSTON BRUINS SIGN FOUR
Colborne, Kampfer & Sauve Sign ATO's with Providence
March 31, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have signed forwards Jordan Caron and Joe Colborne, goaltender Michael Hutchinson and defenseman Steven Kampfer to entry-level contracts. Colborne, Kampfer and forward Maxime Sauve will join Providence on Amateur Tryout Agreements.
With the moves, the P-Bruins have 24 players on their roster, including 14 forwards, nine defensemen and two goaltenders.
Caron, 19, has split this season between the Rimouski Oceanic and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after being traded from Rimouski to Rouyn-Noranda on January 9. The right wing registered 53 points, including 26 goals and 27 assists, in 43 games between the two teams during the regular season, and he currently leads the QMJHL in playoff scoring with 13 points (6g, 7a) for the Huskies. Caron also skated with the silver-medal winning Canadian squad at the World Junior Championships in January. In four junior seasons, he has appeared in 204 regular season games with 203 points (100g, 103a) and 173 penalty minutes. The Sayabec, Quebec, native was selected by Boston 25th overall in round one of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Colborne, 20, skated in 39 games as a sophomore for the University of Denver Pioneers this season, setting personal-bests in goals and points. His 22 goals led the Pioneers, while his 41 points was good for a share of second-place. Denver finished 27-10-4 on the year and reached the East Regional Semifinal of the NCAA Championship, where Colborne scored a power play goal in the Pioneers' 2-1 season-ending loss to the Rochester Institute of Technology Engineers on March 26. He finished the year with 10 multiple-point games and a 12-game point-streak from January 1 to February 13, notching 18 points (10g, 8a). The Calgary, Alberta, native played 79 games in his two seasons for Denver, registering 32 goals and 40 assists for 72 points, along with 54 PIM. He was selected 16th overall by Boston in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Hutchinson, 20, appeared in 46 regular season games this year for the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights, going 32-12-2 with a 2.86 goals-against-average and .913 save percentage. In a five-game opening round playoff series win over the Guelph Storm, the goalie went 4-1 with a 2.84 GAA and .901 save percentage. His Knights will face the Kitchener Rangers in the second round of the postseason, beginning on April 1. A native of Barrie, Ontario, Hutchinson is in his fourth OHL season and first with London after three years with his hometown Barrie Colts. The net-minder was selected 77th overall by Boston in round three of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Kampfer, 21, was acquired by Boston from the Anaheim Ducks on March 2 in exchange for a conditional fourth round draft pick. The defenseman set career-highs across the board as a senior for the University of Michigan Wolverines this season, appearing in 45 games with three goals, 23 assists, 26 points and 50 PIM. He also added a plus-18 rating. The Wolverines were recently defeated by the Miami University (Ohio) RedHawks in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Championship, falling 3-2 in double overtime on March 28. Over his four college seasons, Kampfer recorded 60 points (7g, 53a) and 134 PIM in 147 games. He was named to the CCHA Championship All-Tournament Team as both a junior and a senior. The native of Ann Arbour, Michigan, was selected by Anaheim 93rd overall in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Sauve, 20, recently concluded his fourth junior season in the QMJHL. The center scored 35 points (13g, 22a) in just 25 regular season games this year with the Val d'Or Foreurs, plus seven points (5g, 2a) in six postseason outings. In his junior career, split between Val d'Or and the Quebec Remparts, Sauve scored 192 points (76g, 116a) in 219 regular season games, along with 12 points (7g, 5a) in 12 playoff contests. The Tours, France, native was selected by Boston 47th overall in round two of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on December 2, 2009. Sauve's father, Jean-Francois Sauve, played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Quebec Nordiques in the 1980's.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Colborne, Kampfer & Sauve Sign ATO's with Providence
March 31, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have signed forwards Jordan Caron and Joe Colborne, goaltender Michael Hutchinson and defenseman Steven Kampfer to entry-level contracts. Colborne, Kampfer and forward Maxime Sauve will join Providence on Amateur Tryout Agreements.
With the moves, the P-Bruins have 24 players on their roster, including 14 forwards, nine defensemen and two goaltenders.
Caron, 19, has split this season between the Rimouski Oceanic and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after being traded from Rimouski to Rouyn-Noranda on January 9. The right wing registered 53 points, including 26 goals and 27 assists, in 43 games between the two teams during the regular season, and he currently leads the QMJHL in playoff scoring with 13 points (6g, 7a) for the Huskies. Caron also skated with the silver-medal winning Canadian squad at the World Junior Championships in January. In four junior seasons, he has appeared in 204 regular season games with 203 points (100g, 103a) and 173 penalty minutes. The Sayabec, Quebec, native was selected by Boston 25th overall in round one of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Colborne, 20, skated in 39 games as a sophomore for the University of Denver Pioneers this season, setting personal-bests in goals and points. His 22 goals led the Pioneers, while his 41 points was good for a share of second-place. Denver finished 27-10-4 on the year and reached the East Regional Semifinal of the NCAA Championship, where Colborne scored a power play goal in the Pioneers' 2-1 season-ending loss to the Rochester Institute of Technology Engineers on March 26. He finished the year with 10 multiple-point games and a 12-game point-streak from January 1 to February 13, notching 18 points (10g, 8a). The Calgary, Alberta, native played 79 games in his two seasons for Denver, registering 32 goals and 40 assists for 72 points, along with 54 PIM. He was selected 16th overall by Boston in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Hutchinson, 20, appeared in 46 regular season games this year for the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights, going 32-12-2 with a 2.86 goals-against-average and .913 save percentage. In a five-game opening round playoff series win over the Guelph Storm, the goalie went 4-1 with a 2.84 GAA and .901 save percentage. His Knights will face the Kitchener Rangers in the second round of the postseason, beginning on April 1. A native of Barrie, Ontario, Hutchinson is in his fourth OHL season and first with London after three years with his hometown Barrie Colts. The net-minder was selected 77th overall by Boston in round three of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Kampfer, 21, was acquired by Boston from the Anaheim Ducks on March 2 in exchange for a conditional fourth round draft pick. The defenseman set career-highs across the board as a senior for the University of Michigan Wolverines this season, appearing in 45 games with three goals, 23 assists, 26 points and 50 PIM. He also added a plus-18 rating. The Wolverines were recently defeated by the Miami University (Ohio) RedHawks in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Championship, falling 3-2 in double overtime on March 28. Over his four college seasons, Kampfer recorded 60 points (7g, 53a) and 134 PIM in 147 games. He was named to the CCHA Championship All-Tournament Team as both a junior and a senior. The native of Ann Arbour, Michigan, was selected by Anaheim 93rd overall in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Sauve, 20, recently concluded his fourth junior season in the QMJHL. The center scored 35 points (13g, 22a) in just 25 regular season games this year with the Val d'Or Foreurs, plus seven points (5g, 2a) in six postseason outings. In his junior career, split between Val d'Or and the Quebec Remparts, Sauve scored 192 points (76g, 116a) in 219 regular season games, along with 12 points (7g, 5a) in 12 playoff contests. The Tours, France, native was selected by Boston 47th overall in round two of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on December 2, 2009. Sauve's father, Jean-Francois Sauve, played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Quebec Nordiques in the 1980's.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Two More Moves Affect Three Providence Players
P-BRUINS SEND TWO TO READING
Forwards Riendeau and Labelle Bound for ECHL
March 31, 2010
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins have reassigned forward Yannick Riendeau to the Reading Royals of the ECHL. Providence has also released forward Olivier Labelle from his Professional Tryout Agreement and he will return to Reading. With the moves, the P-Bruins have 22 players on their roster, including 12 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders.
Riendeau, 21, heads to Reading for the second time this season after an ECHL stint from February 14-22. The rookie scored two goals and added an assist in his three games for the Royals. In two stretches for Providence, Riendeau appeared in 22 games overall, contributing one goal and four assists. His first and only career AHL goal came against the Hartford Wolf Pack on March 21.
Riendeau's professional career officially began on December 28, 2009 when he was assigned to Providence by Boston after missing the first 34 games of the AHL season due to injury. The right wing made his pro debut the following night at the Springfield Falcons, tallying his first pro point with an assist.
Riendeau enjoyed a standout junior season in 2008-09 with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, where he led the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in scoring during both the regular season and the playoffs. In 64 regular season games, the native of Boucherville, Quebec scored 58 goals and tallied 68 assists for 126 points before adding 52 points, including 29 goals, in just 19 postseason contests. Riendeau's playoff totals set Voltigeurs franchise records, while his 16 postseason power play goals set a QMJHL record. His postseason performance earned him the league's Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Playoff Most Valuable Player. Riendeau was signed to an entry-level contract by Boston on April 2, 2009.
Labelle, 24, signed a PTO with Providence on March 26 after beginning the season with Reading, where he had 23 goals and 39 points in 52 games. The fourth-year pro appeared in two games for the P-Bruins during his recall, going scoreless. He made his AHL season debut on March 26 against the Portland Pirates.
In his pro career, Labelle has appeared in 274 games between the regular season and playoffs, totaling 174 points (85g, 89a) and 691 penalty minutes as a member of seven different squads. The undrafted native of St. Eustache, Quebec has enjoyed AHL time with Providence, the Syracuse Crunch, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Manitoba Moose, along with ECHL stints with Reading, the Utah Grizzlies and Victoria Salmon Kings.
LAMMERS RELEASED FROM PTO
Forward Appeared in 31 Games for Providence
Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins, in their 18th year in the American Hockey League, announced that they have released forward John Lammers from his Professional Tryout Agreement. With the move, the P-Bruins have 21 players on their roster, including 12 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders.
Lammers, 24, joined Providence on January 13 and went on to appear in 31 games for the P-Bruins, registering eight goals, nine assists and a plus-six rating. He made his Providence debut on January 15 at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and later had his best game as a member of the P-Bruins on February 26 at the Binghamton Senators, recording a hat trick on seven shots and a plus-four rating. Lammers also enjoyed a four-game point-streak with Providence from March 5-12, tallying four assists.
Prior to signing with Providence, Lammers suited up for 25 games with the ECHL's Alaska Aces, where he has totaled 35 points, including 20 goals. The fourth-year pro also spent an 11-game scoreless stint with the AHL's Manitoba Moose this year, spending roughly one month with the club.
Lammers was selected 86th overall in round three of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars.
*Info gathered from www.providencebruins.com
Photo propertry of T.Chace Jr.
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